Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne 2016: Jasper Stuyven soloes to victory

At slightly over 200 kilometres, Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne is the Flemish classic best suited for sprinters, since the last 50 kilometres are flat. And yes, a sprinter wins the race, but he does so after a brilliant 17 kilometres solo. Brilliant victory by Jasper Stuyven. (Slideshow route/profile)

Results Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne

1. Jasper Stuyven (bel)
2. Alexander Kristoff (nor)
3. Nacer Bouhanni (fra)
4. Dylan Groenewegen (nld)
5. Lukusz Wisniowski (pol)
6. Niccolo Bonifazio (ita)
7. Peter Sagan (svk)
8. Edward Theuns (bel)
9. Jonas Van Genechten (bel)
10. Scott Thwaites (gbr)

Race report
With 10 kms done Van Melsen, (Boy) Van Poppel, De Man, De Vries, Van Ginneken, Turgot, Trosino, Barker, Boucher, Druyts and Cardis have joined forces to create a tiny gap. In no time the lead balloons to 8 minutes.

At the series of climbs halfway the pack breaks as a consequence of the high pace. At the Oude Kwaremont Vivani is dropped.

With 40 kms to go all escapees have been brought back, while a group with Van Avermaet, Stuyven and Boonen enjoys a half a minute lead at the first passage on the line. Two rounds at 15 kms left.

With 17 kms left Jasper Stuyven goes solo. At the last passage he enjoys a 0’16” lead over his former companions while a peloton with Sagan, Ewan and Kristoff is 0’34” down.

The 23-year old Belgian powers to a half a minute lead and that’s enough for one of the best wins in his young career.