The ninth edition of the Antwerp Port Epic, a UCI 1.1 classified race, showcased the grit and determination of cyclists as they navigated the challenging terrain of Antwerp’s sprawling port. This year’s event took place under sweltering conditions, with temperatures soaring close to 30° C (86° F), adding to the race’s already demanding nature.
Unlike traditional road races that often feature significant elevation changes, the Antwerp Port Epic is defined by its unique surfaces. The race course spans 192 km for men and 138 km for women, incorporating 42 sectors of unpaved roads, which include cobblestones and dirt paths. This combination tests riders’ skills and endurance, with the race starting at seven metres above sea level and finishing two metres lower.
The women’s race on Sunday saw a commanding performance from SDWorx-Protime, with Femke Marcus soloing to victory, finishing 1 minute and 23 seconds ahead of her closest competitors, teammates Marta Lach and Femke Gerritse, who completed a podium sweep for the team.
On Monday, the men’s race unfolded with a series of tactical maneuvers and unexpected incidents. The race was marked by multiple crashes and mechanical issues that disrupted the peloton. An early breakaway was caught with 53 km remaining, leading to a flurry of attacks as riders sought to establish a decisive lead.
Ultimately, a nine-rider group formed within the final 40 km, consisting of notable cyclists such as Per Strand Hagenes from Visma-Lease a Bike, Pau Miquel from Bahrain-Victorious, and Dries de Bondt from Jayco-AlUla. This group managed to maintain a significant gap over the chasing peloton, which was led by Soudal-QuickStep.
As the race neared its conclusion, Hagenes executed a powerful sprint from the breakaway group, launching his attack with 300 metres to go. He secured his first victory of the season, finishing ahead of Miquel and de Bondt, who took second and third place, respectively.
Throughout the race, the combination of cobblestones and gravel, along with the oppressive heat, created an atmosphere of attrition. Riders faced not only the physical challenge of the course but also the mental strain of navigating the unpredictable conditions. Martin Svrček from Soudal-QuickStep also had a notable performance, finishing in the top ten after being actively involved in the race’s dynamics.
Svrček described the challenging nature of the race, noting that he felt progressively better as the event unfolded. Despite his efforts to break away, he acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining a lead against such a competitive field.
The Antwerp Port Epic continues to be a unique fixture in the cycling calendar, attracting a mix of WorldTour teams, ProTeams, and local Continental squads. The event is celebrated not only for its competitive spirit but also for the vibrant atmosphere it creates, with spectators enjoying the spectacle of riders covered in dust, alongside the picturesque backdrop of Antwerp’s port.
As the dust settles on this year’s race, the Antwerp Port Epic reaffirms its place as a challenging and beautiful event in the cycling world, drawing riders and fans alike into its gritty charm.
Kwame Ofori
Evelyn Mensah
Yaw Appiah
Ama Serwah