The Dane spent an impressive 150 kilometers in the breakaway.
Created in 1893, two years before the first derailleur was invented, Brussels Cycling Classic is one of the oldest races in the world, and remains one of the most prestigious, despite not being part of the World Tour. This century, Soudal Quick-Step won it five times with four different riders - most recent of whom was Tim Merlier, one year ago - so it was only natural that our team would aim to be again one of the main protagonists.
A rider who likes the one-day races, as underlined by his 2020 Paris-Tours victory and top ten finish at last year’s E3 Saxo Classic - to name just a few of his results - Casper Pedersen was one of the key players Sunday afternoon, when he attacked and made it into a five-man break that took shape after 40 kilometers. Despite the many challenges lying ahead - including a triple ascent of the iconic Muur-Kapelmuur - the quintet worked well together and managed to put almost four minutes into the peloton before the real chasing began.
In the final 70 kilometers, the break fragmented, only three men remaining at the front, which helped the peloton claw back time to the point only 20 seconds were separating them after the last hill of the day. Casper didn’t give up, and summoned all the energy he still had, pushing hard and extending the lead to 50 seconds together with his companions. It took a lot of commitment and serious chasing from the sprinters’ squads to bring them back, the catch happening only with 15 kilometers to go.
I felt pretty good at the start and that motivated me to try something.
“It was fast in the beginning, as many riders were determined to go in the breakaway. I joined one of these moves 40 kilometers into the day, as I felt it could be the right move. We were really strong and got along together, and even though the bunch caught us, I think we did a solid race. I’m happy that my shape is going in the right direction, it’s an important confidence-boost ahead of the next races, including the National Championships, which are a big goal for me”, Casper said at the finish.
Gil Gelders rolled over the line as the first Soudal Quick-Step rider home - same time as winner Jordi Meeus (Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe) - after luck wasn’t again on Alberto Daniele’s side, a late crash preventing the Italian from taking part in the sprint.
Photo credit: ©Luc Claessen / Getty Images
