The third edition of the Famenne Ardenne Classic was coloured by a leading group of five, including Mathieu van der Poel. In the pouring rain, the quintet was given a maximum lead of two minutes before Team Jumbo-Visma took the initiative. The lead quickly got reduced and a strong Timo Roosen managed to bridge across to the front. The peloton did not let go and they were reeled in fairly quickly. In the final, four riders rode away and competed for the victory. Roosen counterattacked in the final kilometres. He came very close, but couldn’t achieve more than a strong third place.

“I am still very motivated to win a race”, Roosen explained. “My legs are still very good. The team was excellent. I have to thank Maarten and Paul for keeping the leading group with Van der Poel under control. It was a very tough course. The pace was very high and the weather conditions did not make it easy either. In the end, I made it to the leading group. When the peloton reeled us in, I didn’t have my best legs anymore. In the final, there was absolutely no control. Mike and I both attacked. On the last tough part I gave everything I had to try to catch the four in front. I joined them a little too late to battle for the win, but I am glad I finished on the podium again.”