Alec Segaert claimed victory at the Grand Prix de Denain, taking a strong win for Bahrain Victorious in one of the key cobbled races of the early season.

The Belgian rider came close to success the day before at Nokere Koerse, where he attacked in the final but was brought back before the finish. In Denain, he made it count.

Segaert was part of a decisive move that formed with just under 50 kilometres remaining, going clear on one of the key sections of the course. In the final kilometres, he launched his effort, went solo and held off the chasers to the line in Denain.

Milan Menten (LOTTO INTERMARCHE) finished second at 2 seconds, with Anthony Turgis (TOTAL ENERGIES) completing the podium behind.

Alec Segaert said:

“This was a perfect day with the team. Everybody knew what to do. Yesterday we had a really strong performance and came close, so it’s even nicer that it worked out today.

I had a great day and really wanted to finish it off after yesterday. In the final I played it well. I was with Hagenes, who was really strong, but I think I made the right decisions.

I’m really happy with this win, for myself and for the team.”

Sports Director Nikolas Maes said:

“We had in mind to try something with Alec for the final, and he made his move with around 45 kilometres to go. It was early, but it was on one of the hardest parts of the course, and he had a strong rider with him, Hagenes.

In the final, he stayed calm, chose the right moment and went all-in to the finish.

Yesterday things didn’t go his way, but today everything came together, so it’s a great reward for his work.”