Thor Michielsen (Avia-Rudyco Cycling Team) impressively won Saturday’s junior race at Danilith Nokere Koerse. In a fiercely contested sprint, he outpaced top favorite Henry Hobbs (UK) and Danish rider Mikkel Weigelt. Michielsen was involved in a crash midway through the race but fought through the pain and surprisingly launched the sprint himself – originally intended as a lead-out for teammate Thibaut Van Damme.

The race saw numerous attack attempts. Vos Coleman (JEGG-Skil-DJR Academy), called up at the last minute, showed exceptional fighting spirit in support of team leader Mauro Keppens. The last one won the mountain prize but was pushed into the grass verge in the finale, losing his chance at a podium finish.

Michielsen called it “an extremely tough finale” and described it as “a victory that ranks higher than my overall win in the Belgian Cup.” His hopes are now set on selection for classics such as E3 Harelbeke and Paris-Roubaix.