Jelte Krijnsen claimed victory at the Belgian classic Vlaamse Druivenkoers Overijse on Friday.
Making his debut as a stagiaire for Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, the 23-year-old Dutch rider delivered an emphatic solo win in Overijse after a standout performance in the breakaway.
@jeltekrijnsen soleert naar de winst in Overijse! 🤟 #VDO24 #FLCS pic.twitter.com/UP48AKjELr
— Druivenkoers Overijse (@Druivenkoers) August 23, 2024
The 206.3km Belgian classic saw early action with a breakaway group, which was eventually reeled in with approximately 99km remaining.
A series of attacks followed, with 11 riders getting clear on the penultimate climb of the Moskesstraat.
Krijnsen positioned himself well in a chase group that quickly bridged to the race leaders.
The decisive moment came on the final ascent of the Moskesstraat, where Krijnsen survived the selection alongside five other riders.
With 7.4 kilometres remaining, the Dutch stagiaire launched a powerful solo attack.
Despite challenging conditions of rain and strong winds, he maintained his lead and held off the chasers, taking a brilliant solo victory.
🇧🇪 #VDO
— Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team (@Q36_5ProCycling) August 23, 2024
🏆Jelte Krijnsen wins @Druivenkoers 🏆 #RacingTheFuture https://t.co/6RLZVCrdE6 pic.twitter.com/tCsyIyiRxv
“The plan was to stay calm during the first part of the race and stay well positioned at the front. With 100km to go there were some attacks from some key riders and I just followed the wheels. After that it was attacking, attacking all the time.
“Before the race Aart (Vierhouten) just made the plan that if we were in the breakaway we should attack just before the last climb with 7.4 km to go and told me all the time to stick to the plan. That’s what I did. I attacked that that exact moment and they couldn’t close the gap anymore. I rode away and went full gas to the finish," said Krijnsen.
“I still cannot believe what happened this week! Two pro wins in two weeks an now this victory in my first race for Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team. The guys supported me really well and I’m so grateful to get the opportunity to finish it off with a win, it’s so special,” concluded Krijnsen.
This victory marks Krijnsen's second win in just seven days, following his success on Stage 4 of the Tour of Denmark.
For Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, it represents their fifth win of the 2024 season.