Jasper Philipsen sprints to victory in the first stage in Ardooie

After 182 flat kilometers between Blankenberge and Ardooie, the 25-year-old Belgian was faster in the mass sprint than compatriot Tim Merlier (Soudal-Quick Step) and the Dutchman Olav Kooij (Jumbo-Visma). The green jersey of the last Tour de France is also the first leader.

The run-up to the sprint was marred by a heavy crash one and a half kilometers from the finish, in which a dozen riders crashed. Australian sprinter Sam Welsford (DSM) was one of the victims. For Philipsen it is the eleventh victory this season. He previously won four stages in the Tour de France, the Scheldeprijs and the Classic Brugge-De Panne.

Tomorrow an individual time trial over 13.6 kilometers awaits in Sluis.