<\/p>\n
\u201cWe still had Jordi Meeus behind. At one point, we could have ridden with him, but first we had to get over the Berendries and Tenbosse. From there, we could possibly change and let him contribute. We were in a good position and wanted to hold on to that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Position first, cooperation later<\/p>\n
The decisive move of the race began on the Molenberg, when Florian Vermeersch forced the split and Van der Poel bridged across after narrowly avoiding a crash. Van Dijke followed, forming a powerful trio that would shape the final hour.<\/p>\n
Behind them, the peloton was fractured by crashes and mechanical problems. The race never fully reset.<\/p>\n
Vanthourenhout had anticipated exactly where the damage would occur. \u201cVan Dijke first had to make it over the Berendries and Tenbosse, climbs that really suit Mathieu. We knew he was going to make a move on the Muur, so it was about holding on with Florian. We quickly realised that Tim was certainly his equal. Whether it\u2019s second or third doesn\u2019t matter, just go all in for the podium.\u201d<\/p>\n
The instruction was clear. Survive the decisive hills. Protect the numbers advantage. Do not contribute unnecessarily to Van der Poel\u2019s momentum while Jordi Meeus remained in the chasing group with a sprint as insurance.<\/p>\n
That discipline proved decisive.<\/p>\n
Accepting Van der Poel\u2019s superiority<\/p>\n
When Van der Poel attacked on the Muur van Geraardsbergen, the dynamic changed. The Dutchman rode clear with authority, and the fight shifted to the remaining podium places.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter the Muur, he was allowed to work, but by then Mathieu was gone. We still had riders behind, with Meeus, who has a sprint in his legs. But in the final part, together with Florian, we took responsibility and went full gas all the way to Ninove.\u201d<\/p>\n
Van Dijke and Vermeersch committed fully over the Bosberg and into the final twelve kilometres, securing second and third behind a rider Vanthourenhout could only admire. \u201cMathieu was today again who he so often is, and we can only admire that.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe, the result carried additional weight. The previous spring had fallen short of expectations, and this winter was spent recalibrating approach and preparation. \u201cI think everyone is happy. Last year, the spring wasn\u2019t what it should have been for the team. Now we\u2019ve put a lot of time and energy into being ready straight away. We shouldn\u2019t get too euphoric about it, but it\u2019s good to see that we\u2019re ready and that everyone showed up.\u201d<\/p>\n
From kilometre zero, Vanthourenhout insisted, the execution was precise. \u201cIt was important to be there at the moments we needed to be there. They didn\u2019t miss anything. From kilometre zero everyone was attentive and in position. We rode a perfect race.\u201d<\/p>\n