There was Dutch success in the Binche-Chimay-Binche but not for the men in orange. Roompot Orange Peloton performed disappointingly in the race. Brian van Goethem was the positive exception.
Almost immediately from the start, the team was on the back foot.
"Too many of our riders were left surprised when the pace went up," sports director Jean-Paul van Poppel said about a defining moment early in the race. "Five of our men were already after 25 kilometers in a big peloton that was far behind We were too quickly at a disadvantage."
Only Wesley Kreder, Berden de Vries and Brian van Goethem managed to survive at that time in a group of 35 riders which chased 15 escapees. After an exciting finale in which Niki Terpstra rode solo for a while, Van Goethem was able to rejoin the first group.
The Dutchman (17th at the finish) could not interfere in the battle for the victory. That was take by Ramon Sinkeldam who beat Pim Ligthart (Lotto-Soudal) into second.
"In the post-race talk, my riders promised improvement for Paris-Tours" commented Van Poppel. "I am counting on revenge on Sunday."
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