As if it were a club championship: 1, 2 and 3 for Alpecin-Deceuninck in Antwerp Port Epic | Antwerp Port Epic 2023

The Antwerp Port Epic is a young course in the north of Antwerp. After an introduction to the world port, the riders dive into the cobblestone and gravel roads of the polders.

A good portion of off-road and bacon to the mouth of Alpecin-Deceuninck. The team raced attentively and had the upper hand in every attack.

With Dries De Bondt, Quinten Hermans and Timo Kielich, they controlled the leading group that would fight for victory.

Sander De Pestel, the Frenchman Thomas Bonnet and defending champion Florian Vermeersch were in a bind.

Vermeersch may have had the best legs, but time and time again he saw a blue shirt appear in his mirrors.

Vermeersch got the final shot 8 km from the finish. After the last cobblestone section, De Bondt set up his solo.

The former Belgian champion experienced how long Noorderlaan can be, but teammates Kielich and Hermans countered perfectly.

To make Vermeersch bite the dust once again on the line. De Bondt won before Kielich and Hermans, as if it were a club championship.

Vermeersch was 4th behind in Antwerp.

Dries De Bondt records his first victory since his stage victory in the Giro last year.

“The barrel was actually finished. Never have I suffered so hard in the last 5 kilometers,” says the 2020 Belgian champion.

“I was not allowed to give up, but I saw the wattage meter drop. The tailwind in the last 3 kilometers saved me.”

And the teammates who stopped in an exemplary manner. “This is indeed a team effort,” admits De Bondt.

“I only win thanks to Timo and Quinten. Without them they close the gap, because I thought Florian Vermeersch was the strongest rider today. Thank you, team!”