Johan Jacobs takes a chance in the breakaway

# Johan Jacobs Makes Bold Move in Kuurne–Brussels–Kuurne

The 2026 edition of Kuurne–Brussels–Kuurne concluded with a sprint finish on Sunday, but not without some lively action as riders maneuvered through cobbled climbs. Johan Jacobs took a calculated risk, joining the day’s breakaway, though his attempt was halted just fifty kilometers from the finish. Axel Huens, another key rider for Groupama-FDJ United, ultimately secured 22nd place in a reduced peloton.

Following the Omloop Nieuwsblad, the peloton faced multiple challenging climbs during this iconic race. Historically, Kuurne–Brussels–Kuurne has favored sprinters, but Groupama-FDJ United was ready to take an aggressive approach. “After Omloop, the plan was to adopt a much more aggressive strategy, both tactically and technically, especially in terms of positioning,” shared team director William Green. Initially, the strategy aimed to position Axel in the break, given his strong sprinting abilities, but it was Jacobs who seized the opportunity.

Tension escalated at the start in Kortrijk as riders vied for a spot in the breakaway. “The battle to get into the break was intense, as always at Kuurne,” Jacobs remarked, noting the significance of the wind direction on race dynamics. A group of six eventually broke free, with Jacobs among them, gaining a maximum lead of four minutes midway through the race.

As the peloton began to increase its tempo on the Bourliquet climb, the initial target was to maintain that lead until the first climbs. “We rode well as a team, which was positive, but unfortunately the legs weren’t quite there once the climbs started coming one after another,” explained Green. As climbs took their toll, Axel remained the last contender from his team in a grupo of around sixty riders.

Jacobs held a one-minute lead at the final climb, the Kluisberg, but mounting pressure from the peloton led to a regrouping. “The breakaway could have been a good idea, but the peloton decided otherwise,” Jacobs stated. Green also emphasized the value of Jacobs’ effort: “It’s always important to anticipate, and once he was caught, he positioned Axel perfectly before the key crosswind section.”

Despite Axel’s strategic riding through the echelons, the race eventually settled into a sprint. “Axel entered the final corner at 800 meters a little too far back,” Green pointed out. This was Huens’ first opportunity to contend for a result in a Classic, and while he finished just outside the top twenty, the experience proved invaluable. “It was certainly a tough Opening Weekend in Belgium, but the goal is for the riders to take the next step,” Green concluded.

With numerous races still on the horizon, Groupama-FDJ is focused on future improvement, confident that adhering to their strategy will yield positive outcomes.