Olav Kooij takes victory at Heistse Pijl as Tim Merlier suffers disastrous late puncture

Jumbo-Visma's Olav Kooij has taken another victory in this breakthrough season for the 21-year-old. Sprinting to the win at Heistse Pijl

One of the many races for the sprinters throughout the transition period from spring to summer, The race features 6 laps, in each the riders face the Heistseberg which is a technical and cobbled 500 meters at 4%, which summits with only 900 meters to go.

Final startlist Heistse Pijl with Kooij, Thijssen, Meeus, Merlier and Iserbyt

Trying to get some success from the breakaway, six riders rode clear from the peloton. With 24km to go though, they were caught and their breakaway escapades were over.

Disaster then struck for one of the race favourites as Tim Merlier suffered a flat tire.

In the finale, after one last ascent of the Heistseberg, it was Jumbo-Visma on the front, giving the perfect leadout for Olav Kooij as he powered his way to victory ahead of Jordi Meeus.