Jasper Philipsen has delivered the first victory of the season for Alpecin-Deceuninck. A win that comes on the Belgian's twenty-seventh birthday and brings confidence to the entire team.

"It's incredible to win on your birthday" - Jasper Philipsen began. "Now I'm a year older and I've solved the start of the season. Actually, everyone was very strong, but in the end we managed to break through and do our part on the flat section".

Philipsen's victory is the first of the season for the Belgian team, and after yesterday's third place at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, today he succeeded in winning the Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne for the first time in his career. "I'm happy with how things are going this year. In recent years, the opening weekend was never a success for us. Yesterday was a day of mixed feelings. It's even more beautiful to win today, on my birthday. The plush donkey they gave me will find a nice place at home. I think this is a truly important prize".

Today the Belgian crossed the finish line ahead of Dutchman Olaf Kooij and Frenchman Hugo Hoftstetter, securing his 52nd career victory. After this success, Philipsen can look towards the Classics with more serenity and will race the Danilith Nokere Koerse on March 19th, followed by Milan-Sanremo, Classic Brugge-De Panne, Gent-Wevelgem, Through Flanders, and Scheldeprijs before concluding the first part of the season with Paris-Roubaix.

"Now it will be easier for us to look to the future, and I hope to continue winning in the other important appointments we have".