Mathieu van der Poel secured victory at the end of the challenging 181 kilometers from Aalter to Geraardsbergen, the third stage of the Renewi Tour characterized by the iconic Muur circuit. In the uphill sprint, the former world champion in Alpecin Deceuninck colors beat Belgian De Lie, with the day's podium completed by Tim Wellens from UAE, who finished 13" behind the winner. Alberto Bettiol took fifth place after an excellent performance. In the general classification, due to the intermediate sprint bonifications, De Lie leads by 1" over Van der Poel.

THE STAGE - The day's initial breakaway was formed by eleven riders: Edoardo Affini (Team Visma | Lease a Bike), Igor Arrieta (UAE Team Emirates – XRG), Jensen Plowright (Alpecin – Deceuninck), Laurenz Rex (Intermarchè – Wanty), Matevž Govekar (Bahrain – Victorious), Filip Maciejuk (Red Bull - BORA – hansgrohe), Johan Jacobs (Groupama – FDJ), Max Walscheid (Team Jayco AlUla), Aaron Gate (XDS Astana Team) Ceriel Desal (Wagner Bazin WB) and Petr Kelemen (Tudor Pro Cycling Team).

With the first difficulties of the route approaching, Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin – Deceuninck), Alberto Bettiol (XDS Astana Team), Tim Wellens (UAE Team Emirates – XRG), Tibor Del Grosso (Alpecin – Deceuninck), Thibau Nys (Lidl – Trek), Mathias Vacek (Lidl – Trek), Matej Mohorič (Bahrain – Victorious), Fred Wright (Bahrain – Victorious), Stan Dewulf (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team), Axel Laurance (INEOS Grenadiers) and Arnaud De Lie (Lotto) launched the chase, catching the breakaway with fifty kilometers to go.

Shortly after the bell, with the Muur on the horizon, Wellens attempted a breakaway, followed by De Lie and van der Poel. A trio quickly formed with Bettiol not far behind. Barely had this situation been noted when on the Bosberg, Van der Poel made a characteristic acceleration. His direct pursuers didn't give up and again caught the Dutch artist's son and grandson.

The trio continued their joint march even after the Denderoordberg climb, and entering the final two kilometers, Wellens attempted a move which his two rivals promptly countered. The subsequent acceleration made the opponent suffer.

FINISH ORDER

1 van der Poel Mathieu Alpecin - Deceuninck 03:50:53

2 De Lie Arnaud Lotto ,,

3 Wellens Tim UAE Team Emirates - XRG 00:12

4 Del Grosso Tibor Alpecin - Deceuninck 00:34

5 Bettiol Alberto XDS Astana Team ,,

6 Wright Fred Bahrain - Victorious ,,

7 Laurance Axel INEOS Grenadiers 00:42

8 Vermeersch Gianni Alpecin - Deceuninck ,,

9 Bittner Pavel Team Picnic PostNL ,,

10 Kooij Olav Team Visma | Lease a Bike ,,

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