Welcome to the live coverage of De Brabantse Pijl! Today marks Remco Evenepoel’s long-awaited return to racing after his horrific crash last December while training. But it won’t be an easy comeback, as the Belgian star will face fierce competition from the likes of Wout van Aert, Tom Pidcock and many others, all of them eager to make their mark on the punchy roads between Beersel and Overijse. Follow all the action with us!
On April 18, 2025, the 65th De Brabantse Pijl La Fleche Brabanconne, a 162.6km race from Beersel to Overijse, took place. The race began with an initial lead group of six riders: Tuur Dens (Team Flanders - Baloise), Jens Reynders (Wagner Bazin WB), Joren Bloem (Unibet Tietema Rockets), Ådne Holter (Uno-X Mobility), Iúri Leitão (Caja Rural - Seguros RGA), and Antonio Jesús Soto (Equipo Kern Pharma). As the race progressed, Joseph Blackmore managed to bridge up to the leaders, adding to the competitive dynamics.
As the peloton pushed hard in the last 50km, the tension escalated. Evenepoel made his move, attacking with Wout van Aert closely on his wheel. The duo's acceleration strung out the peloton, with Evenepoel's gold helmet a conspicuous sight as he sought to reclaim his competitive edge following a challenging recovery.
In the women's race, Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE-ADQ) made headlines by attacking with just 10km to go. Despite having been sidelined with a concussion from a crash at the Tour of Flanders, she executed a brilliant strategy, breaking away from the peloton to secure a comeback victory. "It’s nice to win it twice. It’s a very nice race and I like the combination of the hills and the cobbles," she stated after her win. Her confidence surged as she navigated the final wall with a 12-second gap, proving her resilience.
Longo Borghini's decisive move came after an earlier group was reeled in, setting the stage for an explosive finish. Anna van der Breggen (SD Worx-Protime) was caught out by the attack but led the chase over the Holstheid climb with 7km remaining, trying to keep the gap to a manageable 20 seconds. However, her efforts were not enough to catch the Italian champion, who had planned for an aggressive race and was determined to capitalize on her opportunity.
Kristen Faulkner (EF Education-Oatly), racing for the first time since San Remo Women, struggled to match the pace in the finale. Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike) clinched the bunch sprint, finishing just 6 seconds behind Longo Borghini, with Femke Gerritse (SD Worx-Protime) completing the podium.
As the men's race unfolded, the leaders maintained a precarious lead. With 50km to go, the break's advantage was down to about 20 seconds as they approached the Moskesstraat climb, which averages 8% for 500 metres. The climb, notorious for its difficulty, would prove pivotal in the race's outcome.
Evenepoel, who had expressed doubts about his condition after his injury, was eager to test himself against the likes of Van Aert and Pidcock. "I even considered quitting the sport altogether, but I’m here now and ready to compete," he remarked before the race. His determination was evident as he launched multiple attacks throughout the day, showcasing his fighting spirit.
The peloton, led by teams including EF Education-EasyPost and Visma-Lease a Bike, kept the pace high, ensuring that the breakaway riders faced a tough challenge. With 130km still to ride, the gap had grown to 1 minute and 50 seconds, but it was clear that the teams were gearing up for a showdown in the final laps.
As the race approached its climax, the riders tackled the steep Rue François Dubois, a 900-metre climb averaging 4.2%. The intensity ramped up, with attacks coming from various riders as they vied for position. The peloton remained tightly packed, but the leaders were beginning to show signs of fatigue as the race entered its final stages.
With the Ardennes Classics looming on the horizon, riders were keen to make their mark at De Brabantse Pijl. Tadej Pogačar, who is scheduled to compete in Amstel Gold on Sunday, was notably absent from this race, leaving the field wide open for contenders like Evenepoel and Van Aert to assert their dominance.
As the final kilometers approached, the excitement was palpable. Riders were pushing their limits, knowing that victory at De Brabantse Pijl would provide critical momentum heading into the next series of races. The atmosphere was electric, with fans lining the route to cheer on their favorites.
Ultimately, the day belonged to Elisa Longo Borghini, who not only secured a significant win but also showcased her resilience and tactical prowess after a challenging recovery. Meanwhile, the men's race continued to unfold, with Evenepoel and Van Aert fighting for supremacy as they approached the finish line.
As the dust settles on this thrilling day of racing, all eyes will be on the upcoming classics, where the competition is sure to heat up. With the likes of Evenepoel, Van Aert, and Pidcock all in contention, the stage is set for an exhilarating season ahead.
