Mads Pedersen took the victory in Ghent-Wevelgem, beating Florian Senechal, Matteo Trentin and Alberto Bettiol in a four-man sprint for the line.
They finished just ahead of a group that contained pre-race favourites Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel.
Pedersen powered to the line at the conclusion of the 232-kilometer race to ensure he warmed up for the upcoming Tour of Flanders in style.
Van der Poel and Van Aert were among the riders to launch attacks 70km from the finish, but none proved definitive.
“It’s one of the biggest wins,” Pedersen said. “I’m very happy. I love long sprints, said Pedersen. “I thought van der Poel and van Aert would have the capacity to react but I was able to start my sprint as I could.”
What a nerve-racking race this was! ? Congratulations @Mads__Pedersen ?? #GWE20 pic.twitter.com/2MQGF6EMay
— GentWevelgem (@GentWevelgem) October 11, 2020
