The Colombian impressed in the 155km race which took place on Tuesday afternoon.
The Belgian kermesses are some of the most spectacular races of the year, and the Grand Prix Briek Schotte – also known as Desselgem Koerse – didn't disappoint, with the bunch splitting after just two of the race's 18 laps following several relentless attacks. Only 14 riders made the cut, among them Quick-Step Floors' trainee Alvaro Hodeg, who was racing for the first team with the most victorious team of the year.
The group worked well together, helping the move stick and forging an advantage which the chasers couldn't bring down. On lap 15, two riders broke clear from the front group and opened a gap, a move which instigated other attacks; not long after that, Kris Boeckmans (Lotto-Soudal) flew away from the now 10-man group, the only rider who could follow the experienced Belgian being Tour de l'Avenir stage winner Alvaro Hodeg.
Despite chasing hard, the duo couldn't close the gap, and of the two at the front, Timothy Dupont (Verandas Willems-Crelan) took the win, beating Piotr Havik (Katusha). Hodeg and Boeckmans arrived some 30-odd seconds later and the soon to be 21-year-old Colombian sprinted to fifth place, a result which augurs well for the next races he'll do in the Quick-Step Floors jersey.
Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele
