Alexander Kristoff (Uno-X Mobility) sped to the win at the Antwerp Port Epic-Sels Trophy, scoring his second victory of the season and 90th of his career in a sprint finish at the end of the 177.9km race.
The Norwegian veteran beat out Emilien Jeannière (TotalEnergies), Oded Kogut (Israel-Premier Tech Academy) and Arnaud De Lie (Lotto-Dstny) to the line in a fight between the fast finishers of the peloton.
The pair were chased by a trio including Corné van Kessel (Deschacht-Group Hens-Containers Maes), Stijn Appel (Beat Cycling Club) and Coen Vermeltfoort (VolkerWessels Cycling Team).
A new breakaway of two emerged that included Juri Hollmann (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Pier-André Côté (Israel Premier Tech Academy) but they only managed to gain a slim 20 seconds ahead of a field led by Lotto Dstny.
A chase group formed over the cobbles that included Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty), Arnaud De Lie and Pascal Eenkhoorn (Lotto Dstny), Sandy Dujardin (TotalEnergies) and Pim Ronhaar (Baloise-Trek Lions) inside 25km to go.
Hollmann attacked to go solo with 15km to go, as Pier-André Côté was absorbed into the chase group behind.
Hollman held just 10 seconds with 3km to go, but his advantage would only wane as he raced closer to the finish line. In the end, he wouldn't make the flamme rouge, instead being back 500 metres earlier.
A counterattack from Julien Vermote (Visma-Lease A Bike) late on couldn't disrupt the sprint squads, and so the promised mass sprint finish came to pass, with Kristoff coming out on top as the fastest man at the line.
Results
Results powered by FirstCycling
-
Tour of Bright: The club-run race that's got Oscar Onley, Brodie Chapman and Luke Plapp pinning on a number in December
'I can go all out and see what happens' Onley told Cyclingnews as the fourth-placed finisher at Tour de France tests pre-season form by adding name to list of challengers to Plapp at home tour -
Beyond the GC battle - The 2026 Giro d'Italia offers more than the fight for the maglia rosa - Analysis
Numerous hilly stage finishes offer chances for Nys, Brennan, Magnier and other young talents to shine but will it be a dramatic year in the GC? -
'I need to take the time to fully recover' - Veronica Ewers steps away from elite cycling to continue RED-S recovery
Mutual decision between US rider and EF Education-Oatly aims to prioritise her long-term well-being and health -
Tulsa Tough leads familiar look of six one-day races for 2026 American Criterium Cup
Men's individual champion Maurice Ballerstedt returns to European racing and leaves door open for new winner in series with $140,000 combined prize purse
