Young talent Matisse Van Kerckhove wins queen stage at Flèche du Sud

# Matisse Van Kerckhove Triumphs in the Queen Stage of Flèche du Sud

In a thrilling display of talent, young cyclist Matisse Van Kerckhove captured the queen stage of this year’s Flèche du Sud, showcasing his climbing prowess and strength in a challenging race. The stage was marked by its demanding climbs and an aggressive tempo that saw Team Visma | Lease a Bike assert dominance from the very start, keeping the breakaway in check throughout the day.

Team Visma | Lease a Bike strategically took control early on, maintaining a high pace that thinned the peloton down to about forty riders, with five team members remaining in the fold. British cyclist Matthew Brennan played a crucial role in this strategy, fully committing to the team’s efforts despite previously expressing concerns about the climbing difficulty. His significant contributions helped in further reducing the group before leading the charge towards the finale.

As the race approached its conclusion on the local finishing circuit, Visma strategically leveraged their numbers. Anton Schiffer made an initial attempt to break away but was caught. However, Matisse Van Kerckhove seized his opportunity shortly after, launching a decisive attack that led him to an impressive solo victory.

“This is really amazing. I had really strong legs today,” Van Kerckhove reflected post-race, visibly satisfied with achieving his first professional win.

Team sport director Gaëtan Pons expressed pride in Van Kerckhove’s performance, stating, “Today is once again a confirmation that Matisse is ready to make the step up to the pro team.” This performance not only signifies an important milestone for Van Kerckhove but also underscores the team’s belief in his potential as he prepares to join Team Visma | Lease a Bike’s WorldTour squad in 2027.

With this victory, Van Kerckhove now leads both the general and young rider classifications, while teammate Matthew Brennan leads the points classification. Looking ahead, another challenging stage awaits the riders, covering nearly 150 kilometers with constant short climbs and predicted strong winds, promising an intense and selective race as Team Visma | Lease a Bike aims to defend their leader’s jersey into the final stage.

### Flèche du Sud Stage 3 Results:
1. Matisse Van Kerckhove (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) – 03:54:11
2. Arno Wallenborn (Team Lotto Kern-Haus Outlet Montabaur) – +00:00:05
3. Mats Wenzel (Luxembourg) – +00:00:05
4. Anton Schiffer (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) – +00:00:05
15. Elliot Rowe (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) – +00:00:34
25. Tijmen Graat (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) – +00:01:35
89. Matthew Brennan (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) – +00:13:06

As the competition progresses, Van Kerckhove’s dynamic performance solidifies his status as a rising star in the cycling community, leaving fans eager to see what he accomplishes next.