The Classic Bourges des Pannes (open in new tab) saw a spectacle not seen in years: Julien Vermote (open in new tab) pulling the peloton in a major race.

The Belgian was one of the best-known figures of the 2017 Tour de France, as he controlled the breakaway group day after day and helped Marcel Kittel win five stages. However, his career never reached the same heights.

His two years with Dimension Data alongside Mark Cavendish provided glimpses, but his move to Cofidis for the pandemic season did not work out, and he was out of contract and without a team for most of 2021. Eventually, he was handed a lifeline by Alpecin Phoenix (open in new tab) in April, but he never raced for Alpecin Phoenix after a year of complete loss due to a bout of toxoplasmosis.

Despite not racing, Vermote was offered a contract extension and time to prepare for the 2022 season by Alpecin Phoenix. While teammate Tim Merlier was winning sprints, he played a key role in De Panne, spending most of the day up front and reaping the rewards.

"It's been a long year. It's been a long year. I'm happy to be back," Vermote told Cycling News at the Bourges des Pannes Classic.

"It feels really good to be in the peloton. I can relax again. Being in Flanders makes me feel like I'm back home again.

"I feel good. I lost my rhythm at the start, but it's getting better. I'm happy with the progress I'm making."

Vermote paid tribute to the management of Alpecin Phoenix, who not only saved him from unemployment, but also stood by him through his long-term illness.

"They supported me last year and gave me the confidence to stay with the team. That was really important in this process," he said.

"The toxoplasmosis was really bad. In fact, I was really tired for months. I tried many times to restart, but I never felt good. The team decided at the end of August to take a break and restart a little earlier than usual in the winter to be ready for this year. I am convinced that this was a really good decision. I have a lot of respect for the team for making that decision.

Vermort's spring program is currently undecided. Alpecin Phoenix, led by Mathieu van der Pol, has a strong team for the cobbled classic, but the Belgian team has been affected by the spread of illness in the peloton. After his run in De Panne, Vermote may be in for an even bigger race.

"I feel healthy, but my level is not there yet. I still need time to get to the top level, but it will be worth it," Vermote said.

"Being here is already a victory, but I don't want to be here just to be here. I want to show my value to the team. Of course I'm happy to be here, but I want more than that."