“We did a really good job as a team,” Kooij reflected afterwards. “Maybe we hit the front a little too early, but it allowed me to start the sprint from a great position. I was able to find my way in the final kilometer, and luckily I still had enough power in the legs. After not being able to sprint properly yesterday because of the crash, it feels great to take the win today.”

After a calm opening, the race came alive with 60 kilometers to go, when the fierce wind split the peloton in two. Edoardo Affini and Julien Vermote held their ground in the first group, but ultimately the split did not prove decisive.

With 35 kilometers remaining, the bunch came back together. In a spectacular finale, where the peloton split several times, a large group still reached the streets of Ardooie together. In the final kilometer, Kooij was expertly launched by his teammates before sprinting convincingly to victory.

For the 23-year-old Dutchman, this is not only his seventh win of the season, but also a first stage victory in the Renewi Tour. “Winning a stage here has always been on my list, so it’s extra special to finally do it. I’m really happy to get this win today and I’m looking forward to the next days.”