Classics season opener: Van Aert wins at Het Nieuwsblad

Olympic silver medallist Wout van Aert has struck right at the start of the classics season in cycling.

The Belgian won the 77th edition of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad single-handedly ahead of the Italian Sonny Colbrelli and Rio Olympic champion Greg van Avermaet (Belgium). After 204.2 kilometres from Ghent to Ninove, German riders were unable to place among the front runners.

Van Aert had broken away from the large leading group on the last climb a good 13 kilometres before the finish and even extended his lead to the finish.

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