Ganna Edges Van Aert to Win Dwars door Vlaanderen
Filippo Ganna of Ineos Grenadiers claimed victory in the men's Dwars door Vlaanderen on Wednesday, surging past Wout van Aert in the final 50 meters to secure his first professional one-day road race win in the Belgian classic. The 185-kilometer race from Roeselare to Waregem unfolded at a record average speed of 48.5 kilometers per hour, marked by relentless attacks and mechanical challenges that tested the field's resilience.
Van Aert, riding for Visma-Lease a Bike, launched a decisive solo attack with about 30 kilometers remaining after powering over the Eikenberg climb. He held a slim lead for much of the finale, dropping an early companion and fending off the peloton, but Ganna bridged the gap in the closing straight after multiple efforts from the chase group. Søren Wærenskjold of UnoX Mobility finished third, with Biniam Girmay, Laurence Pithie, and Mads Pedersen rounding out the top six and tenth places, respectively. Early chaos included a crash that forced Dylan Teuns and Jenno Berckmoes to abandon, the latter requiring hospital treatment, while Arnaud De Lie also withdrew on the climbs.
Ganna's triumph came despite significant setbacks. Shortly after the first hill,...