The race, which covered more than 200 kilometres from Brakel to Haacht, focused on the Druivenstreek region around Overijse. The riders had to overcome obstacles such as Holstheide, Moskesstraat and Smeysberg, known from the 2021 World Championships. Boven, still a U23 rider and part of the Jumbo-Visma Development Team, proved himself in this area. With about 70 kilometres to go, he chased World Champion Mathieu van der Poel and Victor Campenaerts. However, this attempt was unsuccessful. Later, with about 50 kilometres to go, he caught up with Florian Vermeersch and joined the five stage leaders.

After the final climb of the Smeysberg, there were about 30 flat kilometres to the finish. The one-minute lead that the breakaway had was enough to stay away until the finish line in Haacht.

"I did not expect to be able to stay in a race of this level for so long”, Boven said. "I was utterly exhausted in the final. I tried to make a move with three kilometres to go, but I got cramps. After that, I waited for the sprint. In the sprint, I didn't have enough left to become third, but fourth place in such a big race is also very satisfying.”

Boven was the surprise contender in the breakaway that included names like Van der Poel, Vermeersch, Vermeersch, Fuglsang, Turgis and Van den Broek. "I knew I was in good shape because I noticed it in the Eurode Omloop last week. But that race is of a different level. At a certain point, I looked around the lead group and realised I was with some top riders. So it was only natural that it hurt a bit. But all in all, it was an exceptional day for me.”