The Belgian classic Brussels Cycling Classic covered 200 kilometers with start and finish in Brussels. The course was redesigned this year and it contained 13 typical Belgian climbs. After the last climb there was flat terrain of around 40 kilometers towards the finish.

Five escapees went on the attack, but the favorite team of Etixx - QuickStep controlled the race and caught all attackers already with 35 kilometers to go. Due to the attacks and rainy conditions, the field split in the last kilometers of the race and so only a small favorite group entered the last 1,000 meters, including Ralf Matzka of BORA – ARGON 18. While the victory was decided for Dylan Groenewegen (Roompot), Matzka finished at the same time in 27th place.

"It was a completely controlled race. When the five riders were allowed to go, not much happened to be honest. Etixx had the race and the group under control and they kept the gap at around three minutes. Although Ralf is not at 100% because he got a cold, he was our rider for the sprint. The result is not what we intended and I think we fall short of our possibilities. The same team will start tomorrow in Fourmies. The race is slightly more challenging than today and it should suit us better", Sport Director Steffen Radochla looks optimistically ahead.