Evenepoel triumphs on return with victory in Brabantse Pijl

Remco Evenepoel made a stunning comeback on Friday by winning the 65th edition of the Brabantse Pijl in his first race of the season. The Soudal-Quick-Step rider beat Wout van Aert after 162.6km of racing between Beersel and Overijse.

It was Evenepoel's return to competition after months on the sidelines due to injuries sustained in a training crash last December. The double Olympic gold medallist from Paris proved to be competitive right from the start, shaping the race alongside Van Aert and sealing victory in a thrilling two-man sprint.

In the women's race, Italy's Elisa Longo Borghini took victory in her first race since a serious crash at the Tour of Flanders nearly two weeks ago. The Italian champion made a decisive move in the final 10 kilometres and held off a late challenge to cross the line solo to defend her title in Overijse.

Dutch legend Marianne Vos sprinted to second and Femke Gerritse completed the podium in third.

^{#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO TOM GOYVAERTS}