Benoit Cosnefroy claims podium at De Brabantse Pijl

Benoît Cosnefroy delivered a strong performance today to finish third at De Brabantse Pijl, securing a podium result for UAE Team Emirates-XRG in the opening race of the Ardennes classics block.

The team was in high-spirits after claiming the 20th triumph of the season with the victory of Adam Yates on stage 4 of O Gran Camino earlier in the day.

The 162.6km race from Beersel to Overijse was raced at a high intensity throughout, with repeated ascents of short, punchy climbs such as the Moskesstraat and Holstheide shaping the finale. A series of late attacks animated the closing kilometres before the race came back together ahead of the final uphill run-in to the line.

In the decisive moments, a reduced group contested the sprint for victory after the final climb into Overijse. Denmark’s Anders Foldager (Jayco AlUla) timed his effort perfectly, coming from behind to take the win ahead of Quinten Hermans (Q.36.5), while Cosnefroy rounded out the podium after being unable to match the Dane’s late acceleration in the sprint.

Cosnefroy had positioned himself well in the front group in the final kilometres, responding to the late moves and ensuring he remained in contention heading into the uphill finish. His third-place result continues his remarkable consistency in this race, where he has now taken multiple podium finishes in recent years, including victory in 2024.

Benoit Cosnefroy : “To finish on the podium is always nice though with the legs I had today I felt I could have gone better.

My form is really good at the moment and I hope to reward the team for their work and trust in me soon. Chapeau to the winner, he did a great race also. I hope we can do another good result at Amstel on Sunday.”

Results

1.Anders Foldager (Jayco AlUla) 3:36:30

2.Quinten Hermans (Q.36.5) s.t

3.Benoit Cosnefroy (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) s.t