Michael Vanthourenhout (Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal) won the Exact Cross Zonnebeke - Kasteelcross, soloing across the finish line 24 seconds ahead of runner-up Gianni Vermeersch (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and 48 seconds ahead of third-placed Tim Merlier (Soudal-QuickStep).
A group of four riders emerged early in the race with Vanthourenhout and Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal teammate Yordi Cousus, Merlier, Vermeersch, and Lander Loockx (TDT-Unibet).
The European Champion pushed his lead out to more than 20 seconds on the last lap, all that was needed to take the day's win and bring confidence into the next day's World Cup in Benidorm.
Results
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'Maybe I won't win 19 this year' – Pink jersey Paul Magnier turns from quantity to quality with maiden Grand Tour success at Giro d'Italia
Frenchman laughs that he won't be sleeping in pink jersey after stage 1 win, but vows to defend it on punchy stage 2 finish -
'You have to be humble in the Giro' - Sepp Kuss not taking 'plan B' role for Jonas Vingegaard in Giro d'Italia
'It's all in for Jonas and and and we have the team, for helping with that,' says American -
'Need to be attentive 100%' - Geraint Thomas warns of potential GC headache on tricky Giro d'Italia stage 2 finale after Netcompany Ineos escape hectic opener unscathed
Director of Racing says he's not expecting fireworks from Vingegaard into Veliko Tarnovo, but riders should be at the front for final 20km with cobbles and steep section -
'We also had our plan and we did exactly the opposite' - How Soudal-Quickstep avoided disaster to deliver Paul Magnier to Giro d'Italia victory
Dries Van Gestel instrumental in chasing down late challengers before Magnier powers away to win
