Huub Artz unleashes fine solo in Kattekoers

Huub Artz won the Kattekoers after an impressive performance. The Dutchman left his fellow escapee Lars Vanden Heede behind on the final climb of the Kemmelberg and completed a successful 23 km solo.

182 kilometres awaited the Men U23 with eight climbs along the way in Flanders Fields. In a sunny Ypres city centre, the riders set off on another edition of the Kattekoers. The hilly course and strong wind created a natural selection in the peloton. After the second passage over the Kemmelberg, a group of around 40 riders remained in contention.

Several riders tried to mount an attack ahead of the final climb of the Kemmelberg. In the end, Huub Artz and Lars Vanden Heede were the ones who succeeded. Dutchman Lucas Janssen tried in vain to cross to the two leaders. Artz left his companion behind on the cobblestones of the Kemmelberg Ossuaire and set off on a 23 km adventure.

On the way to Ypres, Artz steadily extended his lead to about a minute and a half. The Dutch rider from Wanty-Reuz-Technord rode solo all the way to Ypres. Sojberg Rasmus Pedersen and Andrea Raccagni Noviero joined him on the podium.