The Gooikse Pijl is traditionally a chance for the sprinters. Team Visma | Lease a Bike was at the start with a mix of experience and youth in support of leader Kooij. With Colby Simmons, Dario Belletta and Jesse Kramer, three riders from the development team got a chance to gain experience at the highest level.  

After the start in Roosdaal, four riders formed the early breakaway. The peloton kept the breakaway riders' lead under control. Also Team Visma | Lease a Bike did its part. The breakaway was caught at six kilometres from the finish line. In the closing kilometres on narrow roads, the riders battled for good positions. In a hectic sprint, it was a battle between Kooij, Meeus and European champion Merlier. Kooij eventually had to trail the two Belgians.  

“We have to be satisfied with this third place”, stated sports director Frans Maassen afterwards. “Of course it was a goal for us to win here, but the guys rode a good race and they did everything they could. We controlled the race. Colby, Dario and Jesse also did a great job in support of Olav to keep him at the front of the peloton all day. In that way, they could learn a lot today.”