As a compact bunch was getting into position for the expected sprint finish in Nokere, a big crash in the final kilometer saw put several riders on the deck.
A rub of shoulders between Max Walscheid and another rider ultimately led to a messy pileup a few riders deep into the bunch, with cyclocross world champion Mathieu van der Poel among those affected.
Pascal Ackermann (Bora-hansgrohe) went early, but Sunweb rallied and caught the German as Bols powered through for the win.
Big win for @TeamSunweb's @ceesbol1995 at #NokereKoerse ? Well wishes to those riders caught up in the crash at the finish ?pic.twitter.com/XfpVJNWfnZ
— Velon CC (@VelonCC) March 20, 2019
Nokere Koerse 2019 results:
| 1 | Cees Bol (Team Sunweb) | 4:32:37 |
| 2 | Pascal Ackermann (Bora-hansgrohe) | ,, |
| 3 | Jasper Philipsen (UAE Team Emirates) | ,, |
| 4 | Boy van Poppel (Roompot-Charles) | ,, |
| 5 | Hugo Hofstetter (Cofidis) | ,, |
| 6 | Jonas Van Genechten (Vital Concept-B&B Hotel) | ,, |
| 7 | Justin Jules (Wallonie Bruxelles) | ,, |
| 8 | Bram Welten (Arkéa Samsic) | ,, |
| 9 | Jens Debusschere (Katusha-Alpecin) | ,, |
| 10 | Lawrence Naesen (Lotto Soudal0 | ,, |
