Benoot was satisfied with his strong race. “I rode a good race and took my chance. When Alpecin-Fenix attacked at ninety kilometres from the end, I was a bit surprised, but after that, I was always in the right place. The E3-prijs and Gent-Wevelgem have already gone well for our team, so we’ll start Sunday’s Tour of Flanders with confidence. We are very strong across the board.”

At about two kilometres from the finish, the Belgian went on the attack, but Van der Poel was on his wheel almost immediately, and the two would go on to decide the victory in Waregem. “When I attacked I didn’t immediately see someone on my wheel, but a little later Mathieu was there. I rode for a podium place. In the sprint I wasn’t fast enough, but I’m happy I was able to show myself in the way I did.”

On the slopes in the final, after the five early breakaway riders had already been caught, the number two showed himself well in front. After Victor Campenaerts’ attacks, he closed the gaps several times. “When Victor went, I knew I had to go with him and he repeated that a few times. Fortunately, I was strong enough to close the gaps together with the other escapees. I did everything I could to go alone, but unfortunately, that didn’t work out. Nevertheless, this result is good for the confidence.”