Philipsen makes optimal use of competitor's sprint train: "They also had a very good lead-out"

"We made it an exciting race," Philipsen began his analysis of the race in the flash interview. Throughout the day, he had no complaints about the work of his teammates. "The team kept me well-positioned all day. The finale was hectic, like every year here. But I knew this finish from a few years ago, so I knew what to do," the Belgian said, clearly deriving some benefit from his previous participation.

Philipsen was well-positioned by his teammates two kilometers from the finish, but the lead-out didn't have the strength to maintain the lead in the peloton. That meant Philipsen was forced to find his own way in the last kilometer. However, he knew exactly whose wheel to latch onto: the sprint train of Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe. "They also had a very good lead-out. I knew I needed to be on his wheel (Jordi Meeus, ed.) in the last few hundred meters. I’m glad I could launch my sprint and take the win."

It was Philipsen's ninth victory of the season. Among his wins were Milan-Sanremo and three stages in the Tour de France. He also finished second in Paris-Roubaix. All reasons for Philipsen to look back on his season with satisfaction. "I can be satisfied. Winning a monument was the highlight for me. And I’m happy that my form is still there in October and that I could win today." Philipsen is expected to race in Paris-Tours on Sunday, where he could increase his total victories to ten — a nice round number, right, Jasper?