Despite the superiority of Visma-Lease a Bike in the finale, the victory in Through Flanders went to American Neilson Powless, who in the sprint outpaced Wout Van Aert. "I really thought I was racing for second place: I felt very strong, but I didn't think I had a chance to win and was convinced the victory would go to one of the Visma riders".

The finale played out with 4 riders, with Wout van Aert launched by his teammates Tiesj Bennot and Matteo Jorgenson and the American Powless. "It was a continuous battle. I didn't know whether to continue or not, because there were still some teammates in the group behind us. But I felt really good and was going strong even on the cobblestone sectors, so I didn't want to sprint with a large group. That's why I chose to stay with that small group, also because it didn't cost me much effort. If I hadn't done that, they would have attacked from behind and I probably wouldn't have been able to get back to the front. So I'm proud of how I managed the race."

In the end, the American's choice proved to be the right one, because in the sprint Powless demonstrated his superiority, surprising all the Visma-Lease a Bike riders, starting with Wout van Aert. "I knew Visma would bet on Wout, but I never would have thought I could beat him in a sprint like this. I took the last corner at high speed and maintained it, after which I knew I would have to start sprinting immediately to at least get second place. I really didn't think I could win."

After winning the San Sebastian Classic, the American has now achieved another great victory. "This is the biggest victory of my career. So far I haven't had an easy spring, but I'm very happy to be back and I'm so happy with what I've managed to do".

Thanks to this victory, Powless enters the group of outsiders who could win the Tour of Flanders on Sunday. "I hope to be able to fight for victory in the Ronde, or at least for a podium spot. You definitely need confidence for a race like that, and I've certainly gained that thanks to this victory".