Laporte Clinches Victory With Late Breakaway
French cyclist Christophe Laporte secured Jumbo-Visma’s fifth cobbled classics victory of the spring as he raced to an impressive win at Dwars doors Vlaanderen. The 28-year-old broke away from the main group with just four kilometers to go before time-trialing his way to the finish line. Laporte, who previously won Gent-Wevelgem alongside his team leader Wout van Aert, was confident in his team’s strong performance and his own good condition ahead of Sunday’s Tour of Flanders.
Movistar’s Oier Lazkano Puts On A Show
In a race that saw many attacks and crashes, Movistar’s Oier Lazkano caught the attention of cycling fans around the world with an exceptional performance. Lazkano spent all race in the early break before kicking away from the group and making a cult hero of himself. Despite not being able to keep up with Laporte, Lazkano finished a respectable second place.
Neilson Powless Shows His Potential
Neilson Powless put in a brilliant display at Dwars doors Vlaanderen, finishing third and setting himself up as a real contender for Sunday’s Tour of Flanders. Powless had previously expressed his ambition to win the race and was part of the decisive eight-man move that formed over the Knokteberg with 54 km to go. Despite almost crashing and having to remove mud from his cleats, Powless remained well-positioned throughout the race and secured a podium spot behind Laporte.
Vollering Leads SD Worx To Victory
In the women’s race, Demi Vollering raced to victory in Dwars door Vlaanderen. The Spring Classic race was a team effort by SD Worx, with Vollering making a move under 10 kilometers before no one in the field could answer. Vollering’s advantage held at 10-15 seconds for several kilometers before she soloed to the win. Chiara Consonni won a bunch sprint to take second place, while Marianne Vos finished third.
The Question of Van Aert’s Tour of Flanders Victory
Laporte’s victory at Dwars doors Vlaanderen raises a question about whether Wout van Aert can complete Jumbo-Visma’s historic spring and win the Tour of Flanders on Sunday. Despite Laporte and Powless’ strong performances, Van Aert remains one of the favorites for Ronde, along with Tadej Pogačar and Mathieu van der Poel. However, Powless has quietly announced himself as an intriguing outsider, and his powers of endurance could play better in the Tour of Flanders than at Dwars doors Vlaanderen.
In conclusion, this year’s Dwars doors Vlaanderen saw two impressive individual performances from Laporte and Vollering and a strong team performance by SD Worx. Powless also showed his potential as a future Classics winner, putting himself in contention for Sunday’s Tour of Flanders. Cycling fans around the world will be eagerly waiting to see if Jumbo-Visma can continue their winning streak and if any other riders can surprise with breakthrough performances at the Ronde.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
