Van der Poel and Van Aert are left behind a kilometer, and Philipsen wins In Flanders Fields

The 2026 edition of In Flanders Fields left one of those endings that perfectly encapsulate the essence of the Flemish classics. When everything seemed to be heading towards a direct duel between Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert, the peloton imposed its law in the final kilometers and Jasper Philipsen finished the job for Alpecin-Premier Tech with an impeccable sprint in Wevelgem.

Jasper Philipsen signs a team victory in In Flanders Fields after neutralizing the Van der Poel–Van Aert duel

The race definitively broke apart on the last pass over the Kemmelberg. That was where Van der Poel launched the key move about 36 kilometers from the finish, taking Van Aert with him in a scenario that promised a high-voltage showdown. Both quickly understood that victory depended on collaboration, but they never managed to open a sufficient gap.

Behind them, the peloton remained organized. Teams with clear interests in a sprint, especially with riders like Tobias Lund Andresen or Arnaud De Lie, maintained a steady pace that reduced the advantage of the two favorites.

Florian Vermeersch tried to hold on first and then bridge the gap, but he ended up giving way when the race entered its decisive phase.

Segaert stirred up the finish, but the peloton did not forgive

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Within the last five kilometers, Alec Segaert made the last serious attempt to avoid a mass arrival. The Belgian managed to catch up with Van der Poel and Van Aert, forming a trio at the front that still dreamed of holding on.

However, the advantage was minimal and the peloton was charging. With just a kilometer to go, the break was definitively neutralized and any chance of victory from the front disappeared.

The resolution was once again in the hands of the sprinters' teams. And in the sprint, Alpecin-Premier Tech played its cards with precision. With Van der Poel already neutralized but still influencing the outcome, the team worked to place Jasper Philipsen in the ideal position.

The Belgian did not fail. He surpassed Tobias Lund Andresen in a direct duel and confirmed that, even in a race marked by long-range attacks, top speed remains decisive in Wevelgem.

Top 5 In Flanders Fields 2026

1. Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech) – 5:07:48
2. Tobias Lund Andresen (Decathlon) – +00
3. Christophe Laporte (Visma-Lease a Bike) – +00
4. Arnaud De Lie (Lotto) – +00
5. Robert Donaldson (Team Jayco AlUla) – +00