Rogers wins Kattekoers with late attack

Cameron Rogers claimed victory at the Kattekoers. With a late move, the Australian narrowly held off the sprinters. Seth Dunwoody finished second, with Eñaut Urcaregui Sanz in third place.

At 9:00 a.m., the U23 men got underway in the shadow of St Martin’s Cathedral in Ypres for the 84th edition of the Kattekoers. The riders faced a demanding 186‑kilometre course, featuring multiple ascents of the Scherpenberg, Monteberg and Kemmelberg.

The first attack proved to be the right one. A trio of Warnier (Dovy Keukens – FCC Cycling Team), Verstraete (EF Education – Aevolo) and Gicquel (Vendée U Primeo Energie) managed to break clear from the peloton. A strong pace, set by NSN Cycling Team, prevented the escapees from building a significant gap, and the leaders were reeled in before the second ascent of the Scherpenberg.

After the Monteberg, the wind came into play as the peloton was already reduced heading towards the Kemmelberg (Ossuary). The solid pace, combined with the wind, caused several splits in the bunch. With 35 kilometres to go, a strong group of ten riders, including Milesi (INEOS Grenadiers Racing Academy) and Dolven (Lotto – Groupe Wanty), managed to accelerate clear. The peloton never closed the gap.

At 12 kilometres from the finish, a group of eleven riders bridged back from behind. That move prompted Milesi to attack once again. The Italian gained a handful of seconds but was caught with two kilometres remaining.

A bunch sprint seemed inevitable, until Cameron Rogers (INEOS Grenadiers Racing Academy) launched a late attack. The Australian held on by the narrowest of margins against the fast finishers to win the Kattekoers. Seth Dunwoody (Bahrain Victorious Development Team) took second place, ahead of Eñaut Urcaregui Sanz (Lidl - Trek Future Racing).