On Sunday, 12 March, 143.2 kilometres were up for grabs in the Dutch 1.1 class one-day race between Emmen and Hoogeveen, which was held for the 60th time. At the end of what was essentially a flat race, Norway’s Per Strand Hagenes triumphed in a narrow two-kilometre solo attack to win his first adult professional race.

– The plan was to took apart the peloton a bit by the end of the race, which we did. There were constant attacks until I found myself in a bunch of four at the front. Lotto’s team was very strong, so I knew I had to attack or I would have no chance of winning. With two kilometres to go I was in action and then with 500 metres to go I knew I had it. It felt great to win, especially in such a strong peloton,” said Hagenes after crossing the finish line.

As you know, the Jumbo-Visma development team rider won the One Belt One Road Nations’ Cup in 2021, winning the overall as well as two stages.