Right from the start, Van Aert opted for the attack. His first attempt was neutralized just before the first climb of the day. However, that didn’t deter Van Aert, as moments later, the wearer of the green points jersey tried again.

The second attack proved to be the right one. Van Aert was joined by four other riders. The quintet worked well together, ultimately managing to stay out of the peloton’s grasp. Along the way, Van Aert picked up twenty points in the intermediate sprint, after which he pushed on. Only Quentin Pacher could follow his wheel, and together they approached the final climb. On that climb, the duo extended their lead over the chasers to more than a minute. After a descent of about twenty kilometers, the duo sprinted for the stage victory. Van Aert claimed it with full conviction. With his fifth win of the season, the Belgian delivered his team, Team Visma | Lease a Bike, their thirtieth victory of 2024.

"It was the plan to get into the breakaway today," Van Aert explained after his triumph. "That certainly didn’t happen easily. I struggled quite a bit on the first climb of the day. I almost thought about letting go, but I wanted to make one last-ditch effort. It then took several dozen kilometers to finally create a decisive gap with the peloton. I think that tough opening phase worked in my favour today. I believe the other breakaway riders didn’t have much strength left in their legs at the end. I’m glad I was able to finish it off. I feel great right now. I have the feeling that I can handle these tough stages again. It’s a pleasure to be riding with these legs."

Immediately after the finish, Van Aert was able to embrace his partner Sarah and his sons Georges and Jerome. "It doesn’t happen often that I win when my family is present. That makes today’s victory extra special. They were also here yesterday on the rest day. They bring me the energy I need and allow me to step away from the world of cycling for a moment. Their presence definitely gives me wings," said the proud partner and father.