GP Denain 2018, Dehaes gets the victory

Kenny Dehaes (WB Aqua Project – Veranclassic) wins the 2018 GP Denain. The Belgian rider attacked within the last two kilometers of racing together with Stijn Devolder (Veranda’s Classic – Crelan) and Frederik Backaert (Wanty – Groupe Gobert) and, with just over 400 meters remaining, counter-attacked and crossed the finish line a handful of meters ahead of the bunch sprint won by Hugo Hofstetter (Cofidis) over Julien Duval (Ag2r La Mondiale) and Andrea Pasqualon (Wanty – Groupe Gobert).

Dehaes achieved in opening a gap over the peloton as soon as Adrien Petit (Direct Energie) was reeled in by the peloton. The Frenchman attempted a solo move with 10 kilometers to go, just before heading into the last passage on the cobblestones of 1600 meters-long Abscon sector. Along the penultimate transit on the cobbles Nico Denz (Ag2r La Mondiale), Dehaes, Damian Gaudin, Sylvain Chavanel and Adrien Petit (Direct Energie) chased Prebe van Hoecke (Sport Vlaanderen-Baloise) and Frederik Backaert (Wanty-Groupe Gobert), who were already in the front of the race together with Yannick Martinez (Delko Marseille Provence KTM), Dimitri Kozonchuk (Gazprom) and Aimé De Gendt (Sport Vlaanderen – Baloise). These last 4 athletes raised the white flag when Direct Energie moved in the front in porder to cream off the leaders. When Petit attacked he suddently gained ground over the chasers, who soon were chased by the peloton. The latter reeled in Petit with pretty much ease but, once moved in the lead of the race, didn’t succeed in controlling the race anymore.

GP Denain 2018 Results

1. Kenny Dehaes (WB-Aqua Protect-Veranclassic)
2. Hugo Hofstetter (Cofidis)   ,,
3. Julien Duval (AG2R)   ,,
4. Andrea Pasqualon (Wanty- Groupe Gobert)   ,,
5. Coen Vermelfoort (Roompot)   ,,