Decisive attack decides Brabantse Pijl

18 April 2025

A shortened edition of De Brabantse Pijl exploded in spectacular fashion on the final laps around Overijse with 21-year-old Matyas Kopecky just outside the top 20.

“I didn’t feel great at the start, but I don’t think that changed much to be honest because a lot of guys suffered at the end,” said Kopecky. “On the circuits I was only looking at the wheel in front of me, hanging on and trying to survive.”

An early break went clear with six riders, but the bunch never gave them much rope and the gap never went past two minutes with the big teams holding a tight leash.

When the attacks came on the first lap of the finishing circuit in Overijse, they were decisive and divisive. Simultaneously catching the break and splitting the bunch.

“When Evenepoel and Van Aert attacked it was vicious,” continued Kopecky. “The chase wasn’t  organized quickly, but again..they’re so strong I don’t they think we’re going to be caught anyway.”

“The laps are hilly and really take it out of you, so I didn’t have much left for the sprint for third place and just gave it everything I had. It’s been a solid block of spring racing and now we have a small break before another big goal, the Tour of Turkey.”

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