Scheldeprijs: Jasper Philipsen takes victory at Flanders Classic in sprint finish ahead of Mark Cavendish

Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin–Deceuninck) has taken victory at Scheldeprijs with Mathieu van der Poel helping guide his team-mate to the line in a sprint finish ahead of Mark Cavendish (Astana Qazaqstan Team). Philipsen — who was among the favourites to win the event — had to be patient after a brave breakaway group held strong for the majority of the 205km course — which runs from Terneuzen in the Netherlands to its finishing point at Schoten near Antwerp.

Ad There was an altogether different feel to this year’s race, with competitors greeted by sunny skies and pleasant conditions twelve months on from Alexander Kristoff fighting through strong winds to take victory. ScheldeprijsPhilipsen wins Scheldeprijs as Cavendish finishes in third2 HOURS AGO After just 10km, a seven rider group, including Giulio Masotto (Team Corratec) and Vincent Hoppezak (Beat Cycling) broke away to attack the course from the front.

Despite opening a three minute gap on the peloton, the breakaway group were generally being well marshalled by those riders behind. With 40km to go, the peloton, with van der Poel sat at the back, had reduced the gap to under a minute and they started to play cat and mouse with the break in order to force a bold move.

Van der Poel — who was making his debut in the race — said he added the race to his calendar to build “extra race rhythm” in the build up to Paris-Roubaix. With the leaders heading towards the final lap of three finishing circuits, three breakaway riders were caught by a train from Alpecin.