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Ronde van Vlaanderen. Last monument classic of the year
The last monument classic race of the season Ronde van Vlaanderen has been held today in Belgium. The riders did a very challenging distance (243 km) from Antwerpen to Oudenaarde with many super hard climbs, including traditional Oude Kwaremont passed three times.
The race has been decided by an attack of three riders from the group of favorites: Mathieu Van Der Poel, Wout van Aert and the reigned World Champion Julian Alaphilippe.
Later, Alaphilippe crashed down after an accident with the jury motorbike, while Van Der Poel and van Aert played the race victory in a sprint, won by Van Der Poel.
The Norwegian rider Alexander Kristoff completed the race podium with the third place after winning a sprint from the first chasing group.
Astana’s Hugo Houle finished inside one of the next chasing groups, taking a 44th place.
- It was a very tough race, but the Tour of Flanders can’t be easy. We worked quite well as a team and from the start I’ve got a great support from my teammates. Coming into the decisive phase we tried to stay together, supporting each other. In a moment I’ve got a puncture but was able to come back to the group. Later I tried to follow the attacks of the favorites, I did my best to stay as high as possible in front, but in the end of the day it did not work. However, I am happy with our work as a team and with my effort as I did all I could today, - said Hugo Houle.
Photo credit: © Getty Images
