Jasper Philipsen has taken victory on stage 1 of the 2023 Renewi Tour after a frantic bunch sprint, moving into the overall lead of the race as a result.
The opening stage of the race will be fully within Belgium and is a rather simple day. It is 182 kilometres in length and is pan-flat, a day that will decide the first leader's jersey. Wind will be a factor in the day as the riders won't be far from the sea and will be riding through vast plains.
Five riders went in the day's breakaway, intent on spoiling the sprinter's party. Alessandro Covi (UAE Team Emirates), Jonas Rutsch (EF Education-EasyPost), Ceriel Desal and Ludovic Robeet (Bingoal WB), plus Aaron Van Poucke (Team Flanders - Baloise).
With 18km to go, the break was finally reeled in and attention in the peloton was swiftly switched to the upcoming bunch sprint finish.
A fierce battle for position was taking place at the front of the peloton, the likes of the INEOS Grenadiers, Alpecin-Deceuninck and Lotto Dstny all fighting for position.
With 1.7km to go, one of the contenders for the win, Sam Welsford crashed and crashed hard by the looks of it.
In the final sprint to the line, it was a dominant victory for Jasper Philipsen, taking his 11th victory of the season.
Also read
Final startlist Renewi Tour with Philipsen, Merlier, Groenewegen, Kooij, Mohoric and Gee
PREVIEW | Renewi Tour 2023 - 5-day race a test for sprinters, classics riders and time-trialists
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