Fabio Jakobsen has to settle for third at Kampioenschap van Vlaanderen: "I was just not fast enough today"

Fabio Jakobsen finished third in the Kampioenschap van Vlaanderen on Friday, but for a while it looked like he would sprint to victory until Jasper Philipsen and Dylan Groenewegen flied past.

"The team was super strong today, but I was just not fast enough today. I was close, but unfortunately," Jakobsen continued. "Could I have done something differently? I do not think so. I was sitting there. There was a small gap behind Michael because there was a guy from Uno-X in between. But I jumped towards it and kept up my speed. If I started a little later, I might've been able to keep it. But that's sprinting. Those two guys had a slightly higher top speed today. If I come from behind them, maybe I can pass them too. But it is what it is."

Jakobsen is currently still wearing the European jersey, but will not defend his title in Drenthe at the European Championships next week. "No, there is a different selection. But I enjoyed it in the jersey. On Sunday, in the Gooikse Pijl, I will try to do it justice again by sprinting for the win. Then it was a great season in the jersey."

Next year Jakobsen will race for Team dsm-firmenich. So he is in his last months for Soudal Quick-Step. Would he still like to give a gift to his current team in the form of a victory? "Of course. I want to keep winning, especially with the current sponsor on my chest. It will be two or three more games. I would like to say goodbye to The Wolfpack in style."