Jasper "the Master" Philipsen delivered an authentic masterclass in sprinting during the second stage of the Renewi Tour, the Blankenberge - Ardooie 173.9 km stage. The Belgian from Alpecin Premier Tech literally dominated the final sprint, launching like a missile with 200 meters to go to claim the 65th victory of his career.

Philipsen completed his golden day by securing the leader's jersey in the general classification, which he now leads by 4 seconds over Olav Kooij.

Behind him in order came British rider Joshua Giddings of Lotto Intermarchè and Norwegian Søren Wærenskjold of Uno-X Mobility, with Matteo Milan (Groupama FDJ United) taking fourth place, thus securing his second WorldTour top-five finish after the third place he achieved in the third stage of the UAE Tour last February.

Unfortunately, the other Milan was not a protagonist in the sprint: the previous day's stage winner was involved in a group crash, pedaled for many kilometers despite showing problems with his right wrist, and when there were seven kilometers remaining to the finish line, he was caught on camera dismounting his bike, to the point that Eurosport reported his withdrawal. A withdrawal that... never happened: Jonny Milan, in fact, escorted by his faithful teammate Simone Consonni, crossed the finish line 22'06" behind the winner.

For him, the medical assessment and physical evaluation procedures were immediately launched. We will update you as soon as Lidl Trek provides news about his condition.

to be updated

STAGE RESULTS

1. Philipsen Jasper (Alpecin-Premier Tech) in 03:11:27
2. Giddings Joshua (Lotto-Intermarchè)
3. Wærenskjold Søren (Uno-X Mobility)
4. Milan Matteo (Groupama-FDJ United)
5. de Kleijn Arvid (Tudor Pro Cycling Team)
6. Marit Arne (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe)
7. Erzen Zak (Bahrain Victorious)
8. Artz Huub (Lotto-Intermarchè)
9. Bennett Sam (Pinarello-Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team)
10. Merlier Tim (Soudal Quick-Step)