West Flanders S1: Hoogerland gets first dibs

Johnny Hoogerland delivered his Vacansoleil team a victory in the opening stage of the Three Days of West Flanders on Friday.

The 25-year-old Dutchman finished ahead of his teammate Jens Mouris as Agritubel’s Kevin Ista came through third in the 176.4km stage from Kortrijk to Bellegem.

Wouter Weylandt (Quick Step), winner of the GP Le Samyn on Wednesday, finished out of the podium in ninth.

Hoogerland, who finished fifth at the GP Marseillaise and fourth overall at the Etoile de Bessèges to open the season, carries the leader’s jersey into Saturday’s second stage.

The Driedaagse van West-Vlaanderen continues Saturday with the 179.3km second stage from Torhout to Handzame.

FILED UNDER: Road