Wind and rain lash the Belgian cobbles as Van Keirsbulck proves the strongest at Le Samyn

Former Quick-Step rider too strong for Alex Kirsch in final sprint

Guillaume Van Keirsbulck wins Le Samyn 2017

(Image credit: Eurosport)

Guillaume Van Keirsbulck (Wanty-Groupe Gobert) won a gruelling edition of Le Samyn, out-sprinting Alex Kirsch (WB Veranclassic Aqua Protect) in terrible conditions in the Belgian semi-classic.

Van Keirsbulck was active throughout the final third of the race, as the peloton was slowly whittled down to only a handful of riders as heavy rain and strong winds battered the race throughout.

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Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.