On April 2, 2025, American cyclist Neilson Powless achieved a remarkable victory at the Dwars door Vlaanderen race in Belgium, overcoming significant odds against a dominant Visma-Lease a Bike team. The race concluded with a four-man sprint featuring Powless and three Visma riders: Wout van Aert, Tiesj Benoot, and Matteo Jorgenson. Despite being outnumbered, Powless executed a strategic sprint to secure the win, leaving the Visma team to reflect on their tactical approach.
The race unfolded with the Visma-Lease a Bike team establishing control in the final kilometers, positioning their three riders alongside Powless in the leading group. In the closing stages, the Visma team attempted to set up van Aert for the win, with Benoot and Jorgenson leading him into the sprint. However, Powless capitalized on the situation, outpacing van Aert to the finish line.
This victory marks a significant milestone in Powless’s career, highlighting his resilience and strategic acumen in high-pressure situations. Reflecting on the win, Powless expressed his astonishment, stating, “I never thought in a million years I would beat Wout in a sprint.”
The outcome of the race prompted discussions about Visma-Lease a Bike’s tactical decisions, with some analysts suggesting that the team’s strategy may have been overly focused on delivering van Aert to victory, potentially overlooking the threat posed by Powless.
In the women’s edition of Dwars door Vlaanderen, Italian cyclist Elisa Longo Borghini secured her 50th career victory. She launched a decisive attack 25 kilometers from the finish and maintained her lead despite a strong chase group that included world champion Lotte Kopecky.
Powless’s triumph at Dwars door Vlaanderen not only underscores his growing prominence in the professional cycling arena but also serves as a testament to the unpredictable and dynamic nature of the sport.
