The 195 kilometer long Belgian one-day race Handzame Classic is usually effected by the harsh wind conditions near the coastline but Friday’s weather forecast reported only light wind, which also meant perfect conditions for a bunch sprint. But CULT Energy Pro Cycling’s Alex Kirsch worked tirelessly in the break throughout the day for a spot on the podium.

The breakaway split up due to the tenacious attacks from CULT Energy Pro Cycling’s Alex Kirsch and eventually only Connor Dunne was able to follow the pace of the Luxembourg rider. As the gap started to crumble, Kirsch decided to move on alone and dropped his last standing companion while the attacks started flying left and right from the peloton.

Entering the final 15 kilometers, the show was over for the young CULT Energy Pro Cycling rider as he was swept up by the peloton and the expected bunch sprint was under way. The Etixx-Quick Step riders formed the train that brought their captain Gianni Meersman first across the finish line.

CULT Energy Pro Cycling's Alex Kirsch says:

“My job was to participate in breakaways from the gun so naturally I did my best to be in the right place at the right time and just like Wednesday, I was fortunate enough to hit the crucial move. I think we went a little too fast in the beginning but I had some fuel left in the tank on the penultimate lap so I took a chance and went for it. Generally, I feel strong and I'm already looking forward to tomorrow's race."

DS Luke Roberts says:

"Alex was executing the plan beautifully in the front of the race and when he was caught we tried to set up Russell (Downing) for the sprint. However, he didn't get a clear run to the finish line and we didn't get the result we came here for. There's another chance tomorrow where we're crossing the border to Holland where a little more wind is expected."

CULT Energy Pro Cycling had no riders in the top-10.