Published on : 06/18/2026
Stage 2 of the Baloise Belgium Tour brought another day of racing with a clear objective for Cofidis: to put Milan Fretin in the best possible position for the sprint.
On the longest stage of this edition, a mostly flat route with 831 metres of elevation gain, the expected scenario quickly unfolded. A six-man breakaway went clear before being gradually reeled in by the peloton in the finale.
As the race approached Knokke-Heist, Cofidis organised perfectly around Milan Fretin. In the final two kilometres, the Belgian sprinter’s teammates set up a strong lead-out to put him in an ideal position for the sprint.
Unfortunately, Milan Fretin lost the wheel of his teammates under the flamme rouge and was ultimately unable to contest the sprint.
Sébastien Hinault, sports director:
“
We saw a great team effort for Milan Fretin in the finale, especially in the last lap. I can name them all: first Dylan Teuns, then Alex Aranburu, Alex Kirsch, Hugo Page, Piet Allegaert and Jenthe Biermans. Unfortunately, Milan lost the wheel of his teammates under the flamme rouge and couldn’t sprint. I’m very proud of the team’s work, but naturally disappointed with the result.”
Attention now turns to Stage 3 around Durbuy, featuring a much more demanding finale.