Sune De Valck shows killer instinct in GP André Noyelle

Sune De Valck has claimed victory in the Men U19 race. On the Rijselstraat, he neutralized a late attack by Feyaerts and outsprinted Verbrugge to take the win.

At 11:30, the Men U19 gathered under the starting arch on the Grote Markt in Ypres. The riders prepared for double ascents of the Scherpenberg, Monteberg, and Kemmelberg (Belvedère side), before tackling the Kemmelberg (Ossuaire side).

The opening phase of the GP André Noyelle was calm. On the second ascent of the Kemmelberg (Belvedère), a breakaway of four riders formed: De Valck, Verbrugge, Kempeneers, and Feyaerts. A group of five riders tried to bridge the gap from the peloton.

As expected, the steep climb of the Kemmelberg via the Ossuaire side caused serious splits in both the lead group and the chasers. Kempeneers was dropped on the cobbles. Keppens and Berton surged ahead from the chasing group but were reeled back in soon after.

As the groups behind started to merge, De Valck launched a move with 7 km to go. With a 28-second advantage, the top three were already decided. In the final kilometers, Feyaerts made a last attempt to avoid a sprint, but a strong De Valck closed the gap and sprinted to victory ahead of Verbrugge and Feyaerts.