The Dutch rider Mathieu van der Poel attacked 16km from the finish and rode alone to win the season‑opening cobbled spectacular classic Omloop Het Nieuwsblad on Saturday race.
The ex‑road‑race world champion approached the classic after securing a record eighth cyclo‑cross world title, remaining unbeaten throughout the winter season of racing that year.
The 31‑year‑old Alpecin rider crossed the line in 4h 53m 55s, more than 20 seconds clear of compatriot Tim van Dijke and Belgian Florian Vermeersch himself.
The 207‑km course incorporates large portions of the Tour of Flanders roads, while the peloton tackled twelve climbs and eight cobbled sectors.
On the cobbled ascent of the Muur of Geraardsbergen, Van der Poel shed the dwindling lead group and launched after an early escape, gaining roughly a minute on the road ahead of his rivals today.
He rejoined them inside 4km and surged ahead with confidence. After crossing the finish, Van Dijke beat Vermeersch in the sprint for second place.
Omloop marks the season’s opening race in cycling’s north‑western European heartland and is frequently contested under freezing conditions during early spring.
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