Belgian Vince Mattens took the win in Les 3 Ballons. In beautiful weather, he beat Frenchman Loïc Ruffaut in the sprint. Ruffaut could accept his second place - yet another one this season. Completing the podium was Michiel Minnaert (BE), who recently won the GF Vosges. Sieben Devalckeneer (BE) did not start due to illness. Frederic Glorieux (BE) finished fifth, just behind his former teammate Tim Alleman (BE).
In the women's race, it was Belgium's top rider Ils van Moeren who won, ahead of Monique van de Vijver (NL) and Sonja Döpp (NL).
Full results can be found here.
On Saturday, the world's toughest gravel race was also on the program. The big favorite in the men's Keegan Swenson (USA) managed to win the race, ahead of Petr Vakoc (CZ) and Lachlan Morton (AU). Laurens ten Dam (NL) had to chase after a flat tire and finished fourth. He tried to go solo about 15 km before the finish but was caught. As usual, many riders suffered equipment failure.
A strip of extremely sticky mud early in the race caused Jan Bakelants (BE) and Thijs Zonneveld (NL) to fall behind. Bakelands would eventually finish 14th. That same muddy section also marked the end for the rear derailleur of defending champion Ivar Slik (NL), who finished the race with only two gears and still finished 36th.
Zonneveld started the chase with Bakelants but crashed on a descent. He went over the top and landed on his knee. A torn patellar tendon meant the end of his race. Jasper Ockeloen finished on P10.
In the women's race, Germany's Calorin Schiff won, 15 minutes ahead of runners-up Sofia Gomez Villafane (USA) and Sarah Sturm (USA).
Full results can be found here.
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