Hagenes secures heroic victory for Team Visma | Lease a Bike at the Antwerp Port Epic

# Hagenes Clinches Victory for Team Visma at Antwerp Port Epic

In a thrilling finish at the Antwerp Port Epic, Per Strand Hagenes of Team Visma | Lease a Bike secured a hard-fought victory, marking a significant comeback since his last win. “I’m absolutely delighted with this. It’s been a while since I last won a race, so finally managing to do so feels really good,” Hagenes expressed with a sense of fulfillment.

The race, celebrated for its challenging terrain filled with cobbles and unpaved paths, set the stage for an exhilarating competition. With a team comprised of seasoned riders and promising newcomers, Team Visma | Lease a Bike showcased strength throughout the entire event. As the race approached the final forty kilometers, a decisive group of nine riders broke away, and Hagenes was quick to adapt, joining the leading pack.

The teamwork among the leaders proved effective, allowing them to establish a significant advantage. Feeling confident, Hagenes launched his initial attack with thirteen kilometers remaining. Though it was unsuccessful, he refused to give up. His persistence paid off when he made another attempt in the final kilometer, which ultimately led to his victory. “I started attacking early on because I felt I had good legs,” he recounted.

With a powerful burst of speed, Hagenes created a gap that secured the twenty-first win for Team Visma this season. “It was a really great day,” he continued. “In the final kilometer, I was perfectly positioned and rode as hard as I could to the line. Luckily, I managed to hold on.”

Team director Maarten Wynants commended Hagenes for his strategic execution of the race. “Per handled it very maturely. From the moment he opened a gap, I knew no one would be able to close it,” Wynants praised. He emphasized that the victory is a testament to Hagenes’ capabilities, adding that, “This is confirmation of what he showed in the spring.”

The efforts of the entire team were instrumental in this win, with Wynants lauding their collaborative approach: “Everyone has played their part. We drew up a plan together and the lads executed it brilliantly. That’s what I love about this victory.”

### Final Standings at the Antwerp Port Epic
1. **Per Strand Hagenes** (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) – 04:26:53
2. **Pau Miquel** (Bahrain – Victorious) – +00:00:00
3. **Dries De Bondt** (Team Jayco AlUla) – +00:00:00
4. **Ashlin Barry** (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) – +00:00:34
5. **Filippo Fiorelli** (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) – +00:00:34
6. **Pietro Mattio** (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) – +00:00:34
7. **Ian Kings** (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) – +00:08:24
8. **Jonas Kind Høydahl** (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) – +00:08:26
9. **Mikal Grimstad Uglehus** (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) – DNF

With this victory, Hagenes not only demonstrated his remarkable talent but also reinforced Team Visma’s dominance in the cycling arena this season.