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.
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