Olav Kooij won the second stage of the Renewi Tour, 172.7 km from Blankenberge to Ardooie. The Dutch sprinter from Team Visma edged out Pavel Bittner (Team Picnic PostNL) and Milan Fretin (Cofidis) in the sprint. Tim Merlier (Soudal QuickStep), winner of yesterday's stage, finished only seventh.

In the general classification Kooij is the new leader, ahead of Merlier.  

ORDER OF ARRIVAL:  

1 Kooij Olav Team Visma | Lease a Bike

2 Bittner Pavel Team Picnic PostNL ,,

3 Fretin Milan Cofidis ,,

4 De Kleijn Arvid Tudor Pro Cycling Team ,,

5 Girmay Biniam Intermarché - Wanty,,

6 Groenewegen Dylan Team Jayco AlUla ,,

7 Merlier Tim Soudal Quick-Step,,

8 Team Mike XDS Astana Team ,,

9 Gudmestad Tord Decathlon AG2R The World Team,,

10 Capiot Amaury Arkéa - B&B Hotels ,,

GENERAL RANKING:

1 Kooij Olav Team Visma | Lease a Bike

2 Soudal Quick-Step ,,

3 De Bondt Dries Decathlon AG2R The World Team ,,

4 Oliveira Rui UAE Team Emirates - XRG 0:02

5 Bittner Pavel Team Picnic PostNL 0:04

6 De Lie Arnaud Lotto ,,

7 Fretin Milan Cofidis 0:06

8 Molano Juan Sebastián UAE Team Emirates - XRG ,,

9 Mohorič Matej Bahrain - Victorious 0:07

10 Tronchon Bastien Decathlon AG2R The World Team ,,

Photo: Sprint Cycling Agency