With Tim Merlier, Fabio Jakobsen, Caleb Ewan and Fernando Gaviria, a group of top sprinters was at the start of the Eleven Cities Round.
Lotto-Soudal had to correct a crooked situation on the way when Ewan got into a 3rd group.
Sven Erik Bystrøm tried to give the sprinter teams another heel in the final kilometres. But the dreamed showdown was unavoidable.
Sport Vlaanderen-Baloise started the sprint for Sasha Weemaes. A good start, but Weemaes was outflanked by Jakobsen.
Ewan was in the wheel of the Dutchman, but could not get out. Tim Merlier, winner of the past 2nd editions, had to settle for the 3rd podium spot.
