The 71st edition of the Belgian autumn classics Omloop van het Houtland was held today around the city of Lichtervelde in Flanders. In the past, the sprinters benefited often form the slightly challenging course over 200 kilometers. Daniel Schorn finished 2nd last year, thus scoring his best classic result of the season.

The start of today's race was determined by many attacks, but it took almost 40 kilometers till the field approved a first lead group. However, with a continued high speed in the field the peloton split into three groups and the first chase group quickly caught the escapees again.

A reduced field went on the final eight laps of ten kilometers each. Constant attacks also determined the final section of the race, in which the Bora-Argon 18 riders also rode in front. With 40 kilometers to go two riders attacked followed by a single chaser, but the field always controlled the leaders with a gap of 20 seconds thus easing the race before the finale.

After the last escapee was caught on the final kilometer, everything was settled for a bunch sprint. Jens Debusschere (Lotto-Soudal) won the race, Shane Archbold sprinted to 5th.

Sport Director Andre Schulze said after the race:

"We have seen a really fast, tough race today. One attack chased the next one - a typically Belgian cycling race. Just like in the last three classics we lined-up with six riders only in Lichtervelde. When the race entered the final laps, we had three riders in the first field: Shane, Andreas [Schillinger] and Michael [Schwarzmann]. The guys fought very well and tried to support Shane as best as possible for a group sprint. If the team is so much reduced, you can’t really ride a proper lead-out in the finale. But Shane is a rider, who is able to find his way by himself and to fight for a position. Given the circumstances his fifth place is perfectly fine."