Rainbow edging on the sleeves against the world champion jersey: a high-class duo swallowed the last 34 kilometers from Ghent-Wevelgem at the head of the Belgian classic, this Sunday. And it was ultimately the 2019 world champion, Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), who won ahead of Mathieu Van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck).
The 28-year-old Dane, who had already won Ghent-Wevelgem in 2020, was initially content to follow Van der Poel’s spark on the first ascent of Mount Kemmel, 85 km from the line. Supported by his teammates Jasper Stuyven and Jonathan Milan, Pedersen was then able to trap the Dutchman, forced to single-handedly plug a hole dug by the Italian from Lidl-Trek.
Laurence Pithie followed the duo until the last climb of Mont Kemmel
Not destroyed by this effort, Van der Poel then tried to do it again, this time allowing him to get rid of Pedersen’s two guard dogs, without the Dane letting go of the wheel. A trio, with the resistant Laurence Pithie (Groupama-FDJ), then advanced in good collaboration towards the last 54 kilometers, before the New Zealander cracked under the impressive pace of Pedersen during the last climb of the Kemmel.
Pedersen and Van der Poel, a prestigious duo, therefore joined forces to resist the return of the favorites to the line, where they competed for victory in the sprint. Even when starting in his wheel, the Dutchman never managed to overtake the Dane in the last 300 meters, therefore failing to achieve a double which was promised to him two days after his victory at the E3 Saxo Classic.
By winning the sprint of the chasing group in front of his compatriot Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck), the Belgian Jordi Meeus (Bora-Hansgrohe) completes the podium. First Frenchman, Sandy Dujardin (TotalEnergies) finished 24th.
