Philipsen climbs podium for third in Aalter

Philipsen was one of the main protagonists for the third consecutive day in the Binckbank Tour mass sprint.

The sprinter from UAE Team Emirates came home in 3rd place at the finish to stage 3 (166.9 kilometers with start and finish in Aalter), behind the winner Sam Bennett (Bora-hansgrohe, his third consecutive win) and Dylan Groenewegen (Jumbo-Visma).

The UAE Team Emirates squad worked hard to deliver Philipsen the perfect lead out into the last corner of the race with 500 meters to go.
The Belgian stepped on the gas as he came out of the corner in the lead but was overhauled by Bennett and Groenewegen.

Thanks to the time bonuses, Philipsen rose to 2nd place overall, 20 ” down on Bennett.

Philipsen: “Ferrari did a perfect job by ensuring I was in just the right place coming into the final bend. I was considering starting the sprint when I heard the crash behind but decided to wait it out a little bit longer .The headwind was pretty strong and made it hard to hold off Groenewegen, who started on my wheel, and then Bennett was able to come around too “.

The fourth stage, Houffalize – Houffalize, is just 96.2 km, and will take in three laps of a circuit including the Cote de Saint Roche (1.1 km at 11.5% average).

Stage 3 results
1 Sam Bennett (Irl) Bora-hansgrohe 3h48’36 ”
2 Dylan Groenewegen (Ned) Jumbo-Visma s.t.
3 Jasper Philipsen (Bel) Team Emirates UAE s.t.

General classification after the 3rd stage
1 Sam Bennett (Irl) Bora-hansgrohe 11h16’23 ”
2 Jasper Philipsen (Bel) UAE Emirates Team 20 “
3 Dylan Groenewegen (Ned) Jumbo-Visma s.t.