Max Kanter wins the Gooikse Pijl 2026: the German from XDS Astana beats Biesterbos and Meeus

Max Kanter (XDS Astana Team) wins the Gooikse Pijl p/b Lotto 2026. The German rider covered the route in 04:15:25, taking the sprint ahead of Frits Biesterbos (Team Picnic PostNL) and Jordi Meeus (Red Bull - Bora - Hansgrohe), both classified with the same time as the winner. The race The Belgian race was decided in a bunch sprint, with the group of the best riders arriving together at the finish. No breakaway managed to gain the margin needed to resist the regrouping, and the sprinters' teams controlled the situation until the final kilometres. Kanter found the right position in the finale, narrowly beating Biesterbos and Meeus in one of the first significant tests of the season on Flemish soil. Results Max Kanter (XDS Astana Team) — 04:15:25 Frits Biesterbos (Team Picnic PostNL) — s.t. Jordi Meeus (Red Bull - Bora - Hansgrohe) — s.t. Ethan Vernon (NSN Cycling Team) — s.t. Tom Van Asbroeck (NSN Cycling Team) — s.t. Closing For Kanter, this is a success built on his ability to stay sheltered in the hectic phases and to emerge on the final straight. Behind him, Biesterbos confirms the growth of Team Picnic PostNL, while Meeus completes the podium for Red Bull - Bora - Hansgrohe. NSN Cycling Team places two men in the top five positions with Ethan Vernon and Tom Van Asbroeck, confirming a team that was present and competitive in the finale.