The finish of the last stage last year was this year the finish of the first stage. The peloton started in Riemst and after a short run-up, had to do three big laps near Bilzen. In these short local laps, the climbs of the Côte de Hallembaye, the Côte sur les Coteaux and the Slingerberg were included each time. The long-awaited sprint duel between Jasper Philipsen and Tim Merlier was announced.
It also took a long time for the early breakaway to distinguish itself. Only around 90 kilometers from the finish a group of 4 Belgians and 1 Frenchman emerged: Ceriel Desal and Loïc Vliegen (Bingoal WB), Axel Huens and Jordy Bouts (Tour de Tietema) and Lars Craps (Team Flanders-Baloise). The five turned well, causing the peloton to arrive too late at De Groene Kilometer, which allowed the escapees to run away with the bonus seconds.
Early flight will run with bonus seconds
It was Bouts from Tour de Tietema who was the first to grab 3 bonuses of the Green Kilometer with a sharp attack. His teammate Huens then won the other two sprints, allowing him to add six bonus seconds. After the battle for seconds, the story was over for the escapees, who were caught by the charging peloton 17 kilometers from the finish.
A few minutes later, the peloton was shocked by an ugly crash. About ten riders hit the asphalt, no favorites for the sprint were stopped. Olav Kooij was involved in the crash, the Dutchman from Visma-Lease a Bike seemed clearly battered and it did not look like he was going to sprint for the stage victory in Bilzen.
Long sprints
In the final straight Jasper Philipsen was strongly piloted by Mathieu van der Poel, who also started the sprint from far away. In his wheel was the tall Italian Milan who took over from the Dutchman. It looked like Philipsen would still come next to and over the Lidl-Trek rider, but the towering Italian held on and beat the Belgian in the sprint. Axel Zingle eventually finished third.
© BELGIUM
Just after the finish line there was also a crash involving a Belgian. Tim Merlier and Dylan Groenewegen went down together and it didn’t look too good. Merlier was treated after the finish but all in all it seemed to be okay for the Belgian.
Stage winner Milan did not know that Philipsen came second: “I saw a shadow appear next to me in the last 100 meters, but I didn’t know who it was”
The 23-year-old Lidl-Trek rider was thrilled with the win but, like many in the peloton today, struggled with the heat: “As a rider you have to spend the whole day cooling down your body, which is not a certainty.”
“It certainly wasn’t an easy stage today”, the newly crowned Italian stage winner opened. “It was mainly a long day of racing but my teammates did everything they could to put me in the best position at the front. The heat also played an important role today. As a rider you have to spend the whole day cooling down your body, which is not a certainty”, according to Milan.
He won just ahead of Jasper Philipsen, but he didn’t know it yet: “The sprint itself was a bit different than usual. The final straight line was steep and I didn’t really realize how many meters from the finish I started my sprint. It was mainly a gruelling and long sprint and I’m still not feeling well from it.” (laughs)
“I came out of Mathieu’s wheel and just decided to give it my all. Fortunately, that was enough for the stage win today. By the way, I didn’t know that Philipsen finished second behind me. I saw a shadow looming next to me in the last 100 meters, but I pushed the last bit out of me that I had in me today. I’m very happy with this stage win and to start the Renewi Tour in this beautiful way”, concluded the 23-year-old Italian.
Jonathan Milan takes it from the wheel of Mathieu van der Poel
A few meters from the finish line, a few sprinters fall to the ground. Tim Merlier knocks Dylan Groenewegen down and they both fall hard.
It is Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) who wins the opening stage! Philipsen comes a few centimeters short and becomes second.
Drumming
Merlier is also up front. It’s a drumming match. Who will make it in Bilzen?
The men of Alpecin search and find a way forward. Strong work by Rickaert. Philipsen is again in a good position.
Lotto Dstny in front
Lotto Dstny also has a train at the front. Arnaud De Lie has four teammates in support.
Philipsen back
Jasper Philipsen is now back in the peloton. He quickly finds his way to the front.
Philipsen also had a problem, because he has to close a gap with the peloton. That comes at a bad time for the Flame of Ham.
Preparing for the sprint
Intermarché-Wanty has a big train at the front. Groenewegen’s men are also ready.
Olav Kooij is involved in the crash. The Dutchman from Visma-Lease a Bike is clearly injured.
Crash in the peloton! A dozen riders hit the asphalt. At first glance, there are no favorites involved.
End for the quintet
The escapees have been caught. Time for the favorites in the peloton to position themselves well towards the finish line.
Leading group almost caught
Twelve seconds. The difference between the escapees and the peloton is no bigger.
Sobrero has cramps
The heat in Limburg takes its toll. Matteo Sombrero is forced to stop due to cramps. The Italian from Bora-Hansgrohe sits down on the grass for a moment.
Peloton approaching
With 23 kilometers to go, the peloton is closing in fast. The advantage of the escapees shrinks to 24 seconds.
Ganna is having a hard time
Filippo Ganna has a hard time following the peloton. The Italian from Ineos really doesn’t seem to be fit.
The peloton starts the last climb of the day: the Côte Sur les Coteaux.
Bonus seconds overview:
- Axel Huens (Tour de Tietema) 6″
- Ceriel Desal (Bingoal WB) 5″
- Lars Craps (Team Flanders-Baloise) 4″
- Jordy Bouts (Tour de Tietema) 3″
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