Dwars door Vlaanderen 2022: Van der Poel bests Benoot in sprint-à-deux

image: Cor VosMathieu van der Poel outsprints Tiesj Benoot and wins Dwars door Vlaanderen for the second time in his career. Tom Pidcock finishes in third. (Slideshow route/profile)

Results 2022 Dwars door Vlaanderen

1. Mathieu van der Poel (nld)
2. Tiesj Benoot (bel) + 0.01
3. Tom Pidcock (gbr) + 0.05
4. Victor Campenaerts (bel) s.t.
5. Nils Politt (ger) s.t.
6. Stefan Küng (swi) s.t.
7. Kelland O’Brien (aus) s.t.
8. Ben Turner (gbr) + 0.12
9. Jan Tratnik (slo) + 2.08
10. Tadej Pogacar (slo) s.t.

Race report
After approximately 35 kilometres Nils Politt, Johan Jacobs, Kelland O’Brien, Aaron Verwilst and Mathijs Paasschens join forces. The five put 5 minutes into the peloton.

The gap has fallen to 2 minutes when Van der Poel, Benoot, Campenaerts, Benoot, Küng, Turner and Pidcock jump clear from the peloton on Berg ten Houte. Still 68 kilometres remaining at this point.

Pogacar escapes from the the chase group on the Kanarieberg. He can’t close the gap though and falls back into the peloton.

While Van der Poel et al catch the leaders 48 kilometres before the finish, Pogacar gives it another go with Van Avermaet, Tratnik, Coquard, Madouas and Kragh Andersen. Also to no avail.

Campenaerts opens a small gap in the descent of the last climb, Holstraat. Benoot and Pidcock close it before Van der Poel brings the others back.

Campenaerts goes again with Benoot in his wheel. A last regrouping inspires Benoot to jump again. Van der Poel closes the gap and the two push on together before the Dutchman sprints to a commanding victory. Pidcock sprints to the remaining podium spot.

Other interesting reads: route and start list 2022 Dwars door Vlaanderen.