German sprinter Pascal Ackermann powered to a strong second place finish at the one-day race Bredene Koksijde Classic in Belgium.
The two-time former winner was in and amongst the sprint shenanigans as the breakaway got caught in the tense final kilometres, before launching his kick to the line to take the runners-up spot.
The race is known for its crosswind sections and despite the less than usual gusts, the peloton still split to pieces following the hilly section. Veteran Luka Mezgec was alert to the dangers and made it into a counter attacking move behind the breakaway with 80km still to go.
Things eventually came back together behind the escapees as teams began to control proceedings in anticipation of a bunch sprint finish. However, the breakaway made the peloton work hard for it, with the catch only being made inside the final 4km of racing.
Team Jayco AlUla worked well to deliver Ackermann into position for the tricky final corners, with the 32-year-old following his rivals well. As the sprint opened up, Ackermann chose his wheel before swinging left and racing towards the line to take a tight second place with a late bike throw.
Pascal Ackermann:
“I think the difference was the final right corner because there was one guy coming from the inside and I had to break, I lost two positions and it was a full tailwind sprint so you can’t lose so many positions.
I can say I lost the race on the last right corner, but that’s racing, Dylan was good today, he did an amazing sprint. Maybe I did a bit too much in the day, but in the end you can say a lot. I’m quite happy to finish off on the podium and on Sunday there’s another race and I finally want get back on top at one of these races.”
2026 Bredene Koksijde Classic – Results:
1. Dylan Groenewegen 4:27:58
2. Pascal Ackermann (Team Jayco AlUla) ST
3. Pavel Bittner ST
Photo: Sprint Cycling
