Dutchman Dylan Groenewegen was narrowly pipped to the victory in a fierce sprint battle at the Kampioenschap van Vlaanderen in Belgium.
The former winner was the first rider to launch his kick for the line and his bold move almost paid off. The result is the 32-year-old’s eighth top-10 finish in the Belgian one-day event.
The race traditionally ends in a bunch sprint and today was no exception as the peloton comfortably reeled in an early breakaway over the final two laps. A series of crashes made for a nervous finale, but Groenewegen was kept safe by his teammates as Max Walscheid patrolled the front of the pack.
A strong lead out from Elmaar Reinders teed up Groenwegen perfectly for his planned early sprint, and the plan almost came off, with only Jonathan Milan able to overhaul the Dutchman on the line.
Dylan Groenewegen:
“We came for the victory, and I was close in the end. Elmar did an amazing job to bring me into a good position to sprint for the victory, but in the end, there was just one rider stronger. That’s a bit sad, but that’s also cycling.
I think it was fair in the sprint, I went early, but that’s what I wanted. I also told the guys in the meeting that I want to go early and do my sprint and if somebody passes me then he’s just stronger and that’s what happened today.”
2025 Kampioenschap van Vlaanderen – Results:
1. Jonathan Milan 3:45:25
2. Dylan Groenewegen (Team Jayco AlUlA) +0:00
3. Tim Merlier ST
