As predicted, the first stage of the Renewi Tour ends in a sprint: Jasper Philipsen dominates the bunch sprint by winning the opening stage of 182.9 km from Blakenberge to Ardooie.

The Alpecin rider precedes Tim Merlier and Olav Kooij . Fourth De Lie who had tried to anticipate the times. Fifth instead Matteo Trentin .

Alessandro Covi , on the run all day, is in second place in the general standings behind Philipsen, thanks to the 8" bonus earned in the various intermediate sprints.

ARRIVAL ORDER:

1 PHILIPSEN Jasper Alpecin-Deceuninck 3:51:33

2 MERLIER Tim Soudal - Quick Step ,,

3 KOOIJ Olav Jumbo-Visma,,

4 DE LIE Arnaud Lotto Dstny ,,

5 GROENEWEGEN Dylan Team Jayco AlUla ,,

6 TRENTIN Matteo UAE Team Emirates ,,

7 PITHIE Laurence Groupama - FDJ,,

8 MARIT Arne Intermarché - Circus - Wanty ,,

9 VIVIANI Elia INEOS Grenadiers ,,

10 RUSSIAN Clément Team Arkéa Samsic ,,

Photo: Sprint Cycling Agency