another Belgian success, Wout Van Aert wins alone
Wout van Aert @BELGAIMAGE
The day after the first day of rest, which followed the first three contested stages in Denmark, the Belgian, second in the first three stages, won solo with 8 seconds over Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Frenchman Christophe Laporte (Jumbo-Visma).
Wout van Aert, 27, signed the second Belgian victory on the 2022 Tour after the success of Yves Lampaert in the 1st stage. The Antwerper won his 36th victory on the road, his 8th bouquet on the Tour. Overall, Wout van Aert is now 25 seconds ahead of Lampaert and 32 over Slovenian Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates), a two-time Tour winner.
His victory in Calais also allowed van Aert to consolidate his green jersey. He leads the ranking of the best sprinter with 170 points, against 109 for his first pursuer, the Dutchman Fabio Jakobsen (QuickStep Alpha Vinyl).
On Wednesday, the cobblestone stage awaits the runners: 157 km between Lille and Arenberg, on a route taking in the cobbled sections of Paris-Roubaix.
The Grande-Boucle will then pass through Belgium. The 6th stage will indeed start on Thursday from Binche, and will end in Longwy after 220 km of a course conducive to punchers.