Philipsen third in the Danilith Nokere Koerse

In Jasper Philipsen’s last test before the northern classics, he powers to third in the Danilith Nokere Koerse behind the winner Cees Bol (Team Sunweb) and Pascal Ackermann (Bora-Hansgrohe).

The UAE Team Emirates showed strong given it was a select group sprint, disputed on cobblestone and a ramp of 500 metres. The youngster moved well the entire 195.6 km race (starting from Deinze, arriving in Nokere) — like the whole team did. He managed to stay in the leading group until the final and make it to the foot of the final ramp in a good position.

Coming out of the last curve to the left, he had a few metres disadvantage to Ackermann. Philipsen managed to recover some, but could not counter Bol’s winning action (photo Bettini).

“It was a good day, I always felt good and I had my chance to win,” Philipsen explained. “In the sprint, I had good legs, with so much strength, but unfortunately, I came back from too far out of the last corner. There was too little space to recover and Bol made perfect final surge. I’m still satisfied with third place, it gives me morale in view of the big classics“.

Race results
1 Cees Bol (Ned) Team Sunweb 4h32’37”
2 Pacal Ackermann (Ger) Bora-hasngrohe s.t.
3 Jasper Philipsen (Bel) UAE Team Emirates s.t.