
Former world champion Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) outmuscled the current rainbow-jersey-wearer, Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck), to take his second career victory at Gent-Wevelgem on Sunday.
The duo broke free together over the final climb with 35km to go, setting up a two-up sprint at the line. Pedersen launched his dash first, and held off Van der Poel, who bowed over his handlebars in the closing metres, defeated.