Laurens Sweeck has taken the win at the GP Hasselt, the fourth round in the Soudal Classics series, after a thrilling race. He was able to hold off Clément Venturini and Corné van Kessel. Kevin Pauwels had to abandon at the midpoint after a crash.

 

There was no Wout van Aert or Mathieu van der Poel at the start in Hasselt as they opted to save energy for the big event in the dunes of Koksijde tomorrow. Tom Meeusen was also a late withdrawal. Laurens Sweeck, Kevin Pauwels, Corné van Kessel and Michael Vanthournhout were the main riders. It was Van Kessel who started fast together with Clément Venturini. Van Kessel jumped over the bars while Vanthourenhout and Venturini opted to run. Hence, the Dutchman got a gap to his chasers Venturini, Sweeck, Quinten Hermans and Stephen Hyde.

 

It became evident that it would not be a good day for Kevin Pauwels. The Belgian is desperately searching for his first win of the season but he failed again. He already had to end the race in Hasselt to end his dreams at the midpoint: Pauwels was forced to abandon the race after a heavy crash. Also Vanthournhout disappeared from the front on a bad day for Marlux-Napoleon Games.

 

Sweeck managed to close the gap to Van Kessel, but Venturini also made it back quickly. The Frenchman took the lead and set the pace at the front. After a bike change, Venturini saw his chance and made an attack. Van Kessel latched onto his wheel. Sweeck followed and when the pace went down, the Era-Circus rider hit the gas. Sweeck got a gap. When he started the final lap, he led Venturini by seven seconds and Van Kessel by 12 seconds. It was enough for victory: In Hasselt at the fourth round of the Soudal Classics, Sweeck got his second victory of the season. Venturini has to be content with second place while Van Kessel was third.

 

Result

1. Laurens Sweeck 1.00.26

2. Clement Venturini +0.12

3. Corne van Kessel +0.21

4. Vincent Baestaens +0.34

5. Wietse Bosmans +0.36

6. Tim Merlier +0.48

7. Philipp Walsleben +0.54

8. Quinten Hermans +1.03

9. Marcel Meisen +1.11

10. Gianni Vermeersch +1.25