Dour, Belgium – Jordi Meeus of Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe claimed victory in a captivating edition of the Ename Samyn Classic on Tuesday. The race was marked by a late surge from Per Strand Hagenes (Visma | Lease a Bike), ultimately caught in the final kilometer, and a frustrating return to racing for Wout van Aert, who suffered a puncture with ten kilometers remaining.
The Ename Samyn Classic boasts a prestigious history, with past winners including Philippe Gilbert, Arnaud Démare, Niki Terpstra, Tim Merlier, and Matteo Trentin. Last year, Mathieu van der Poel, riding for Alpecin-Premier Tech, marked his return to competition with a decisive win. This year, all eyes were on Wout van Aert’s season debut, but misfortune would play a significant role in the Belgian’s race.
Van Aert, recovering from a fractured ankle sustained in a cyclo-cross race in January, had initially planned to start earlier in the season. A subsequent stomach bug forced a delay, making Tuesday’s race his long-awaited return. Visma | Lease a Bike aimed to showcase a strong team, featuring Van Aert alongside Per Strand Hagenes, though Christophe Laporte was a late withdrawal due to illness. The field similarly included contenders like Jordi Meeus, former winner Laurenz Rex (Soudal Quick-Step), and Lukas Kubis (Unibet Rose Rockets).
The race began with a rapid pace from Quaregnon, characterized by numerous attacks. It took considerable effort for a breakaway to establish itself, eventually forming with five riders: Stijn Appel (BEAT), Baptiste Vadic (TotalEnergies), Kévin Avoine (Van Rysel Roubaix), Lucas Bénéteau (St Michel-Preference Home-Auber93), and Bogdan Zabelinskiy (Aarco).
Visma | Lease a Bike Drives the Finale with a Strong Hagenes
The breakaway riders were never granted significant freedom, with a maximum advantage of just over two minutes. This encouraged further attacks from the peloton. Ed Uptegrove (EEW-VDK) attempted to bridge the gap alongside Arnaud Tendon (Van Rysel Roubaix), but the increasing presence of major contenders, including Van Aert, began to shape the race dynamics.
A decisive move came 60 kilometers from the finish, with a group of twelve riders breaking clear. Visma | Lease a Bike placed Per Strand Hagenes and Pietro Mattio in the move, alongside Gianni Vermeersch (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe), Axel Huens (Groupama-FDJ United), and Tomas Kopecky (Unibet Rose Rockets).
This group gained a 40-second advantage, but cooperation proved inconsistent. Hagenes launched a solo attack 30 kilometers from the finish in Dour, putting pressure on his rivals and forcing Visma | Lease a Bike to defend the move.
Van Aert’s Return Hampered by Crucial Puncture
As the race approached the decisive cobbled sections, other teams began to position their leaders, gradually reducing Hagenes’ lead. However, a mechanical issue dramatically altered the complexion of the race for Visma | Lease a Bike. With ten kilometers to head, Wout van Aert suffered a rear wheel puncture.
Van Aert initially took a bike from teammate Pietro Mattio, but quickly swapped back to his own reserve bike after another 1.5 kilometers. The delay cost him approximately 45 seconds, and simultaneously, Unibet Rose Rockets saw Dylan Groenewegen lose contact with the main group.
Hagenes continued his determined ride towards the final five kilometers, holding a 15-second advantage. The peloton responded, reeling him in on the last cobbled section of the day. Vermeersch and Meeus led the chase, with Kubis and Van Poppel close behind. Hagenes dug deep, reaching the final two kilometers with a five-second lead, but Bahrain Victorious’s efforts ultimately brought him back into contention.
In the sprint finish, Meeus launched a well-timed attack, securing the victory. Laurenz Rex (Soudal Quick-Step) and Hugo Hofstetter (NSN) completed the podium.
Result of the Ename Samyn Classic 2026
The Ename Samyn Classic continues to be a proving ground for classics specialists, and this year’s edition delivered a thrilling spectacle. While Van Aert’s return was cut short by misfortune, the race showcased the strength and tactical acumen of several teams as they prepare for the upcoming spring classics season.
Van Aert, despite the setback, expressed his disappointment but remained optimistic. “Plan B was to be up front in the final 10 kilometers and join the sprint. But then I punctured and quickly found myself in no man’s land,” he told Het Laatste Nieuws. “Suddenly, there were a lot of shards of glass on the road.”
The next challenge for many of these riders will be the upcoming races in Belgium and France, as the spring classics season continues to unfold. Fans can follow updates and results on official team websites and cycling news outlets.
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