Philipsen fourth in wet Binck Bank Tour finale

UAE Team Emirates opens race with Jasper Philipsen in 4th place.

The first stage, 167.2 km from Beveren to Hulst, was a flat but rainy affair for the peloton. Sebastian Molano launched Philipsen in the last 400 meters in the lead out but the young Belgian found himself pinned to the barriers on the right side of the road in the final 50 meters.

Without being able to fully open his sprint, Philipsen was forced to settle for 4th, with the spoils going to Sam Bennett.

In the general classification, the Belgian of UAE Team Emirates is 7th, 10 “from Bennett.

“The day was made challenging by the rain and the cold, but I managed to arrive in the final feeling good and ready for the sprint – explained Jasper Philipsen – The team did a good job and Molano launched me well, unfortunately I found myself closed on the right side against the barriers and I couldn’t pass, so had to hold back which was a pity”.

The 2nd stage, 169.1 km from Blankenberge to Ardooie, should be another day for the sprinters.

Stage 1 results

1 Sam Bennett (Irl) Bora-hansgrohe 3h37’15”

2 Edward Theuns (Bel) Trek-Segafredo s.t.

3 Mike Teunissen (Ned) Jumbo-Visma s.t.

4 Jasper Philipsen (Bel) UAE Team Emirates s.t.

General ranking after stage 1

1 Sam Bennett (Irl) Bora-hansgrohe 3h37’05”

2 Lukasz Wisniowski (Pol) CCC Team 2″

3 Lars Ytting Back (Den) Dimension Data 3″

7 Jasper Philipsen (Bel) UAE Team Emirates 10″