A good start for the Belgian at the French stage race.
The weather wasn’t nice to the riders who came at the start of the 68th edition of the Quatre Jours de Dunkerque, nagging rain and cold temperatures making for a demanding day in the saddle. The 173km course, despite being peppered by a couple of short climbs, favoured the sprinters, especially as the final part consisted of a couple of laps of a completely flat circuit, perfect for a regrouping.
Five men went clear soon after the start and managed to remain off the front until the final 15 kilometers, when they were reabsorbed by the bunch. Due to the wed roads, a crash took place around four kilometers from home, splitting the peloton. Kasper Asgreen was among those involved, but fortunately, the Dane could get back on his bike and continue the race. Everything pointed to a reduced bunch sprint, but a late attack of a rider under the flamme rouge derailed the lead-out trains and spread panic in the bunch. The chasers managed to bring him back just ahead of the line, and Milan Fretin Cofidis) took the victory.
Jordi Warlop, who is making his first appearance for Soudal Quick-Step since last month’s Amstel Gold Race, finished a strong seventh in Le Touquet, the small town which back in the ‘70s hosted two Tour de France stages.
Photo credit: ©Luc Claessen / Getty Images
