The stone walls and rolling hills surrounding Lacs de l’Eau d’Heure delivered pure Belgian Classics theatre on Sunday at the Granfondo Belgium world championship qualifier, as Bjorn De Decker — who served a four-year ban for doping from 2018 through 2022 — once again demonstrated he still hungers for victory at home.
The 37 year-old De Decker crossed the finish solo, arms raised in a world championship-worthy victory pose in 3:29:13, averaging 39.5 kmh. Roeland Strypens, 19, gave chase to finish a minute back, with Alexandre Toubeau, 30, completing the all-Belgian podium a further three seconds adrift.
Among the women, Antje Valkeneers — who crashed in her first race of the season a few weeks ago at Le Samyn — crossed in 3:53:15 to claim a photo-finish victory for the women. Julia Gregoire, 21, was second, with Elke Timperman, 36, completing the women’s podium, also all-Belgian.
The race’s demanding 24km local circuit, featuring the Petit Poggio with ramps nudging 9.3%, and a dramatic finale climbing the Lac de l’Eau d’Heure dam, ensured only the strongest survived to collect their UCI qualification tickets.
Competitors finishing in the top 25% of their age/gender category automatically qualified for the 2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Championship in Niseko, Japan later this year.
Complete 2026 Granfondo Belgium results HERE
Photo Credit: Granfondo Belgium
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