Exactly like in the previous edition, Taco van der Hoorn led the classic Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne from start to finish.
Before the start of the second event of the Belgian opening weekend, the Dutchman shared his intention to join the early breakaway. No sooner said than done, after less than one hour of racing he was part of the leading group. However, the peloton rapidly started the chase until a group of favorites joined the race lead with more than 80 kilometer to go.
Among the escapees, only Taco van der Hoorn was able to follow a quartet of strong riders: Wellens, Mohoric, Van Hooydonck and Benoot. Together, they rode the rest of the race in the lead, winning the arm wrestling game with the peloton of sprinters.
van der Hoorn, who led the race for more than 150 kilometer, sprinted for the victory and ended up 4th. Last year, he was caught on the line by te sprinters after his long breakaway, finishing 10.
« Just like last year, I planned to join the early breakaway, hoping to survive the hill zone in the Flemish Ardennes and accompany the favorites in the final. We expected the race to be opened early, but not that the gap to the breakaway would be closed so soon. I was feeling good, however, I didn't expect to be able to follow the best riders on the hills and accompany three favorites on the Mont Saint-Laurent. I was satisfied when I was still in the lead after the Côte de Trieu, the final climb on the course. The cooperation in the leading group was excellent. Usually I always play all or nothing in such a scenario, but this time it was difficult to surprise because of the numerical superiority of Jumbo-Visma. I focused on the sprint and in the end I wasn't far of ending my long day in the breakaway on the podium. »
