In the general classification, the Norwegian Soren Waerenskjold (Uno-X Mobility) remains in the lead for 2 seconds ahead of the Czech Matias Vacek (Lidl-Trek), very active in the ‘Golden Kilometer’. Aranburu is 3rd at 6 seconds.
The stage was organized on a circuit including the Côte de Champs des Hêtres (2.1 km at 3.1%), the Côte de Petite Somme (2.4 km at 4.9%), the Côte de Hermanne ( 2.2 km at 4.9%) and the Mur de Durbuy (0.5 km at 8.2%). This circuit has been ridden five times, with the three ‘Golden Kilometer’ sprints judged in the final passage of the Côte de Hermanne.
A large attack group quickly took shape with twelve men in it. This first offensive ended 37 kilometers from the finish, opening a new ball of attacks.
Vacek left 30 miles from the end. He was joined by Lorenzo Rota, Jenno Berckmoes and Joseph Blackmore, 15 kilometers later but pocketed the bonuses by winning the three sprints of the ‘Golden Kilometer’. However, the 9 seconds he gained did not allow him to steal the lead from Waerenskjold.
The group was rejoined under the red flame and Aranburu won the 7th victory of his career, the first this season.
On Sunday, the last stage should put the sprinters in the spotlight. It will also consist of a circuit, 40 kilometers long, around Brussels. The finish will be judged under the Atomium, where the successor of the Dutchman Mathieu van der Poel will be honored on the winners list of the event.
