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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'It's like our minds are all connected' - Unspoken understanding between teammates helps power Demi Vollering to first-ever victory in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad
Unusual victory salute a special sign of thanks to teammates after solid collaboration and support on the road to Ninove
