Team Picnic PostNL lined up at the Bredene Koksijde Classic for a demanding 203-kilometre race that, while expected to end in a sprint, always leaves room for echelons and attacks over the hilly middle section. The race saw multiple breakaway attempts, with an early trio first going clear before a larger group of ten riders including Frits Biesterbos bridged across after the hill zone. That move was eventually brought back, but a new six-rider break then formed and once again forced the peloton to stay alert.
Throughout the day, Team Picnic PostNL rode attentively, helping to control the breakaways and staying well positioned whenever the threat of echelons loomed, always looking to seize opportunities. In the closing kilometres, the peloton reeled in the final escapees, setting up the anticipated bunch sprint. The team brought Pavel Bittner into position, who powered to the line and secured a strong third place after a bike throw in a tight finish, matching last year’s podium result for the team.
After the race, Bittner said: “We went into today’s race aiming to set me up for the sprint, so the team was on it from the start. We even controlled the race for the first 60 kilometres and had a good position going into the hills. I felt strong, and at that point the race wasn’t too difficult, so the bunch came back together. Later, in the crosswind sections, we stayed in control, even when Frits got caught in a small group for a moment. On the local laps, we stayed near the front, helping to bring back the breakaway. Coming into the final, I had to surf the wheels a bit to reach the front. I might have been slightly too far back, but I found a clear line and launched my sprint. Groenewegen was really fast today, so I couldn’t get past him. Overall, it’s a great podium for the team, and I hope we can build momentum for the upcoming races.”
