For a long time, a duo led the way in the 260-kilometer race. The pair gained a significant lead, which at its peak was as much as 12 minutes, but with 50 kilometers to go, that advantage had melted away.

With 30 kilometers remaining, there was a significant split in the peloton, during which Benoot made a strong impression. The Belgian showed himself multiple times in the final but was unable to follow Hirschi’s decisive attack. Benoot eventually finished in the middle of the group that arrived just too late to catch the Swiss rider.

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t reward our aggressive style of racing with a result,” said sports director Frans Maassen afterward. “Tiesj was well-positioned several times in the final. In the closing stages, he launched an attack that allowed Hirschi to escape. It’s a pity that Tiesj couldn’t join Hirschi when he made his move. Unfortunately, Mick was also not in a position to sprint.”