Katusha rider outsprints Vandenbergh to take first classic of the season.

Luca Paolini (Katusha) took victory in the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad by defeating his breakaway cohort Stijn Vandenbergh (Omega Pharma-Quick Step) in the sprint. Maarten Wijnants (Blanco) won the sprint for third in the chase group. After his victory Paolini praised his thorough preparations and the determined efforts of his teammates.

"I'm absolutely happy about this win,” said the Italian rider, “it's a very important victory both for me and for Katusha. It was a special triumph for me in a very prestigious competition, one of the most beautiful Belgian classics races. I felt in a great condition despite the cold weather, and in the end I managed to win thanks also to my bigger experience. I have to thank the whole team, they worked great: in the morning we decided the strategy, and everything went as we planned. I wanted to anticipate the favourites, and thanks to my shape I managed to".