Mathieu Van der Poel won the 81st edition of the Omloop Nieuwsblad, the first Northern Classic, which took place today in Belgium over the 207 km distance.

A long breakaway with five riders building a lead of over three minutes over the peloton. Many riders fell behind due to the slippery asphalt. The decisive action unfolded on the Molenberg when Florian Vermeersch took off, immediately followed by Van der Poel, who did well to avoid another crash by a Tudor rider ahead of him.

The two, followed by Tim Van Dijke, closed in on the escapees Van Hemelen, Renard, and Krijnsen and began to gain ground on a group that, in the meantime, had lost De Lie and Brennan to the ground. Van der Poel escaped on the Kapelmuur, creating a gap and crossing the finish line alone, ahead of Tim Van Dijke and Florian Vermeersch.

This is the first victory at the Omloop for the Alpecin phenomenon, the latest in an increasingly extraordinary career. Matteo Trentin finished 15th.

Order of arrival:

1 van der Poel Mathieu Alpecin-Premier Tech 4:53:55

2 van Dijke Tim Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe 0:22

3 Vermeersch Florian UAE Team Emirates - XRG 0:24

4 Laporte Christophe Team Visma | Lease a Bike 0:53

5 De Gendt Aimé Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team 0:54

6 Andresen Tobias Lund Decathlon CMA CGM Team 0:57

7 Meeus Jordi Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe ,,

8 Turgis Anthony TotalEnergies,,

9 Renard Alexis Cofidis ,,

10 Lamperti Luke EF Education - EasyPost ,,

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