For those of us outside of Belgium ...
https://sporza.be/nl/2024/09/25/max...pak-in-omloop-van-het-houtland~1727263110244/
googling translation -
https://sporza.be/nl/2024/09/25/max...pak-in-omloop-van-het-houtland~1727263110244/
googling translation -
7 riders lasted until the last of 9 local laps around Lichtervelde, but then their song was over. Milan Lanhove was the last to be absorbed by the pack that brought the big guns into position to sprint.
But due to a messy final phase - with a lot of twisting, turning and a crash - the Gerben Thijssens and Biniam Girmays of this world never came into the picture.
There was, however, Max Walscheid. The German started the sprint at Jayco-Alula ahead of Dylan Groenewegen. His Dutch teammate was too far. With a final shot, Walscheid unexpectedly took the overall victory himself, just ahead of Groenewegen.
Groenewegen: "It's great that we are 1 and 2"
Dylan Groenewegen: "It was very hectic all day with a lot of crashes. At the end, just before the train track, I had to slam on the brakes. I told my teammates that I wasn't in the wheel anymore. Max did the perfect job and rode a good sprint. I was a bit too far, but in the end 1 and 2 is still a nice achievement for the team. I am a team player. Today we just did well as a team."
Max Walscheid: "I'm very happy with my win today. Dylan and I lost each other in the run-up. When I still didn't see him, I just started my sprint. At the finish line I suddenly saw him appear next to me. That's great for the team, but it also tastes like more for me. My role in the team is clear: I'm a lead-out, but every now and then I'd like to take my chance."