Last year’s edition of Nokere Koerse was won by Kenny Dehaes. Today, Kris Boeckmans won the 70th edition. He sprinted rather easily to his third victory of the season.

It lasted two hours before there was a breakaway. It consisted of five Belgians. The escapees had a maximum gap of five minutes. They couldn’t stand a chance against the chasing peloton. The breakaway got caught in the eight local laps. Also a new attempt of four riders to form a breakaway couldn’t prevent a bunch sprint. Very strong preparation work of the Lotto Soudal team was finished perfectly by leading man Kris Boeckmans. Justin Jules and Scott Thwaites finished second and third at several yards. This is already the third win for Boeckmans this season.

“As a WorldTour team it was our plan to take control of the race and strive for the victory," he said. "We kept control during the race and the team kept me in the front of the peloton. Tiesj Benoot and Kenny Dehaes rode a perfect lead out in the final kilometre. Thanks to them I could win my third one of the season.

“This win is good for my confidence. I hope to keep this shape until Sunday and be good in La Primavera. The days before the race my role in the team will become clear. But I will be satisfied if I can ride at the same level as today.”