In the Belgian semi-classic, the riders were presented with a challenging 195-kilometre course. After the early breakaway was reeled in early on, the men of Team Visma | Lease a Bike opened up the race. Menno Huising initiated the action at sixty kilometers from the finish, and Wilco Kelderman subsequently responded to an attack by Leander Van Hautegem.

The two built up a decent lead, after which Kelderman went on alone. The Dutchman, who was riding his first race since his crash in the second stage of the Giro d’Italia, held on for a long time, but was reeled in seventeen kilometers from the finish. Louis Barré made a last-ditch attempt to break away on the final climb, but was unable to find any space.

A reduced peloton prepared for a sprint. Filippo Fiorelli guided Brennan into the final kilometre, ensuring the young Brit started the sprint from a good position. However, in the streets of Mont-de-l’Enclus, Brennan wasn't able to contest for victory. Corbyn Strong took the win. Sports director Gaëtan Pons reflected on the race afterwards. 

"We did almost everything perfectly today. We stuck completely to the plan we had made beforehand. With three (of the five) laps to go, we made the first break. Wilco took a serious lead, but we had expected more riders to go with him. We told Wilco to keep going in the hope that a small group would join him later."

"That happened, but unfortunately the gap was too small to stay ahead", said Pons. "On the final climb, Louis launched another good attack. It’s a climb that suits him well, so we decided that he would try his luck here. Unfortunately, he couldn’t pull away. After that, the focus shifted entirely to a sprint with Matthew. Filippo did a good lead-out and ensured that Matthew was well positioned.”

"With 200 metres to go, he made his first move. When he went for his second sprint, he realised his legs were starting to give out. Unfortunately, he wasn’t strong enough to sprint for the win."