Team Jumbo-Visma raced the entire time in the front. At fifty kilometres from the finish, a group with Teunissen attacked, after which Van Aert tried to close the gap in a chasing group. On the last passage of the Kemmelberg, the Belgian increased the pace and closed the gap to the head of the race. In the last kilometres a group with three riders escaped. Mads Pedersen managed to join them and won the race.

Van Aert was disappointed: “It was a tough race. As expected, we raced to the final in a small group. I had good legs and I think I was one of the best riders in the race. I raced to win, but I didn’t get any freedom. I knew I had a chance in the sprint, but I couldn’t respond to all attacks. In the end I had to gamble. Unfortunately I did not take a prize. I had good legs and missed this opportunity.”

Sports director Arthur van Dongen had seen a strong team: “We raced well in the final and we were in constant control. That is something we wanted in advance. Unfortunately Timo Roosen couldn’t join the group behind and we lost Amund Jansen due to a puncture at a bad moment. We knew there were going to be attacks. Mike countered an attack twice, after which Wout was able to take over and race a strong final. Unfortunately, the strongest doesn’t always win.”