After a rainy start on the coast of Middelkerde, the peloton continued to ride in the country of West-Flanders. The heavy and bad weather conditions played a major role during the race. In the beginning there were lots of echelons, though Team Jumbo-Visma always rode in front. On the local laps in Lichtervelde, Van der Hoorn counter-attacked some breakaways and created a chance to win.

Van der Hoorn was happy to be back in shape. “I am happy to be on a good level again after my injury but it is a pity that we didn’t take the win today. It was a hard and difficult race because of the wind. The plan was to sprint with Dylan, we always had control. On the local laps, I made it to the right breakaway. I was waiting for the right moment, but Walscheid was too quick. In the upcoming weeks I will try to get some good results as well.”