The 20‑year‑old British sprinter Matthew Brennan surged ahead of a group to claim victory in the Flemish classic Kuurne‑Brussels‑Kuurne riding for Visma on Sunday.
Brennan, a native of Darlington, becomes the first Briton to top the podium since Mark Cavendish did so in 2012 and again in 2015, and his finishing burst resembled that of the rising talent. Brennan brushed aside the Cavendish parallel after the race.
“I claimed two junior titles myself,” he said. “I’m constantly present in races like this.”
The second‑division ProTeam Tudor placed two riders on the podium as Italians Luca Mozzato and Matteo Trentin finished second and third.
This was the second event of the Flemish opening weekend, held in mild conditions over 193.6 km featuring 13 climbs, with the final 60 km rolling but largely flat. About thirty‑six riders engaged in a tactical duel during the last two kilometres as squads vied for placement, with Visma and Quick‑Step prominent.
“I felt tense throughout the day and we found ourselves in a hole, yet we seized the chance and I’m delighted,” Brennan remarked. “The lads, every single one, contributed in the preparation. I just took the simple part.”
None of the anticipated contenders made an impact, with former winner Jasper Philipsen, Jonathan Milan and Paul Magnier all absent from contention.
Read next
Andreeva's French Open victory highlights the impact of Martínez and women coaches
Conchita Martínez was describing her player’s journey to a maiden grand-slam title when Mirra Andreeva interrupted. Accompanied by officials and a staff member holding the Coupe Suzanne-Lenglen, the new French Open champion entered the room to cause mischief.
Andreeva asked, “What is the best thing about working with Mirra
Lewis Hamilton confident he is nearing first victory with Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton believes a victory for Ferrari is possible following his second-place finish at the Monaco Grand Prix. The seven-time champion is determined to pursue Kimi Antonelli, the current Formula One leader who secured another win in Monte Carlo.
Driving for Mercedes, Antonelli dominated the race, maintaining his lead through
Hodgkinson: Shock loss will fuel my pursuit of 800m world record this summer
In a dramatic event in Stockholm, Audrey Werro recorded the fastest 800m time seen since the Cold War era, defeating Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson. Werro finished in 1min 53.98sec, marking the third fastest time in history. She now trails only Jarmila Kratochvilova’s 1983 world record of 1:53.