An audacious attack 2.5 kilometres from the finish line at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad proved the winning move for Michael Valgren to close out an aggressive edition of the race.
The Dane had time to take in the moment as Łukasz Wiśniowski (Team Sky) and Sep Vanmarcke (EF Education First-Drapac) crossed the line for the minor podium positions, just ahead of the peloton.
The Muur van Gaardsbergen played a pivotal role in how the finale played out of the race with Vanmarcke launching a blistering attack and forcing a major selection. There was a regrouping on the Bosberg but it was clear who had the legs and who was lacking. Astana with three riders had the numbers and played their cards to perfection with Valgren rewarded for his aggression. Having played a major role in making the race, Vanmarcke had to settle for third place as consolation. The classics though have only just begun with each week growing in importance until the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix finale in April.
