A breakaway consisting of seven riders formed the dangling carrot in front of the pack on today’s second and 184 kilometer long stage of the Belgian stage race Driedaagse van West-Vlaanderen from Nieuwpoort to Ichtegem. The difference from yesterday was that the survival rate of the breakaway group dropped to zero on the local circuit.

17 riders bridged the gap to the front group entering the final 30 kilometers of the stage but going under the ten kilometer kite, 50 riders were in the front of the race and the stage was concluded in a raging bunch sprint where Danny van Poppel (Trek Factory) was the fastest of all.

DS Luke Roberts reported no CULT Energy Pro Riders among the strongest today:

“This is the most important time of the year for the Belgian riders and they are on top form at this moment. At the same time, we have to face the fact that our boys still have to get used to the pace at this level. None of our riders simply had the legs to compete today but the experience will make us stronger for the coming races and hopefully we'll find the rhythm."

Yves Lampaert (Etixx-Quick Step) won the race overall.