Mathieu van der Poel claimed victory at Le Samyn, showcasing his dominance in a thrilling sprint finish. The Alpecin-Deceuninck rider outpaced Paul Magnier (Soudal Quick-Step) and Emilien Jeannière (TotalEnergies) to secure the win. His last-minute decision to participate added excitement to the race, which already featured top names like Arnaud De Lie (Lotto) and Magnier.
The race began with high intensity, as multiple attacks unfolded before a breakaway of eight riders finally formed after an hour. This group, including Stijn Daemen (VolkerWessels) and Loïc Vliegen (Wagner Bazin WB), gained a four-minute advantage before the peloton started closing in.
Van der Poel made his first move with 65 kilometers to go, sparking a series of attacks. Although he was reeled back in, his Alpecin-Deceuninck teammate managed to escape with a strong leading group that included Samuel Gaze and Taco Van der Hoorn. Their efforts forced sprint teams to push the pace, ensuring a high-speed finale.
As the breakaway was caught, the race seemed set for a sprint until De Lie suffered a flat tire. Despite a determined chase, he rejoined the peloton just 15 kilometers from the finish. The final stretch over cobblestone sections led to crashes and tense positioning. Timo Kielich powered ahead on the Côte des Nonettes, but Van der Poel strategically held back. In the final sprint, he surged forward decisively, leaving Magnier behind and sealing a commanding victory.
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