Geraardsbergen, East Flanders — Ghent cyclist Jenno Berckmoes clinched a stunning victory in the second edition of the Muur Classic on Wednesday, continuing his impressive form with a triumphant sprint to the finish.
The 23-year-old Belgian, racing for the Lotto Dstny team, emerged victorious after a grueling 180.2-kilometre race, showcasing his strength and endurance on one of Belgium’s most challenging courses.
Berckmoes’s win comes after a hard-fought battle that saw him edge out Norwegian sprinter Tobias Halland Joannessen of Uno-X Mobility, who finished in second place.
Swiss rider Fabio Christen from Q36.5 Pro Cycling rounded out the podium in third. The race, which tested the limits of its competitors, featured a series of demanding climbs and high-paced sections that pushed riders to their limits.
The Muur Classic, held in the picturesque town of Geraardsbergen, is known for its challenging route, which includes the iconic Muur van Geraardsbergen.
This famed climb, renowned for its steep gradients and cobbled surface, was a crucial element of the race. Riders faced the Muur three times at strategic points — 85, 115, and 146 kilometres into the route.
It was on these daunting ascents that the race’s key contenders were separated from the rest of the field.
Berckmoes’s performance was particularly notable given the competition. Lionel Taminiaux, Tom Van Asbroeck, Milan Menten, and Jenthe Biermans, all Belgian riders, also showcased strong performances, finishing in the top ten.
Taminiaux secured 5th place, Van Asbroeck came in 7th, Menten placed 8th, and Biermans rounded out the top ten in 9th.
Berckmoes’s victory marks his second career win, following his triumph in the fifth stage of the International Week of Coppi and Bartali earlier this year. This latest achievement highlights his growing prowess in the cycling world and cements his status as a rising star in the sport.
The Muur Classic has quickly established itself as a significant event in the cycling calendar. Replacing the Grand Prix de la Ville de Grammont, which ended in 2022 after a long and storied history, the Muur Classic has elevated its status from the International Cycling Union’s 1.2 category to the more prestigious 1.1 category this year.
This upgrade reflects the race’s increasing prominence and the competitive level it attracts.
Berckmoes’s win also signifies a notable shift in Belgian cycling, as the country continues to produce exceptional talent and maintain its strong tradition in the sport.
The Muur Classic, with its challenging course and esteemed history, has quickly become a coveted prize for riders aiming to make their mark in professional cycling.
Italian cyclist Filippo Magli, who won the inaugural Muur Classic in 2023, was unable to defend his title this year, leaving the field open for new contenders like Berckmoes to seize the opportunity.
Berckmoes’s triumph is a testament to his skill, preparation, and determination, as well as to the rigorous nature of the race itself.
As the cycling season progresses, Berckmoes’s performance in the Muur Classic will likely set the tone for future races and generate anticipation for upcoming events.
With a successful outing in Geraardsbergen now behind him, Berckmoes and his Lotto Dstny team will look ahead to maintaining their momentum and achieving further success in the cycling circuit.
The Muur Classic’s combination of challenging climbs, competitive field, and historical significance ensures its place as a highlight in the Belgian cycling calendar.
As riders and fans alike look forward to next year’s race, Berckmoes’s victory will be remembered as a defining moment in the event’s brief but illustrious history.
