The Belgian spring classic has always been for the sprinters, and this year it was no different as a large bunch rushed into Brussels after a hearty 200 kilometers had been pedaled.

What threw a curveball into the predictable finish in the Brussels Cycling Classic was the rain, causing slick city streets that the riders had to treacherously pick their way through. 

Giacomo Nizzolo finished in 10th place in the dangerous sprint contested over wet train tracks angled precariously and slippery roads with ice-like turns, slowing down the riders and making it impossible to gain ground back in the final meters.

“It was a very dangerous finale with the rain,” explained Trek Factory Racing director Alain Gallopin.  “I spoke with Giacomo after the finish and that is what he told me, that it was really, really dangerous. It was raining and in the city of Brussels… it made it difficult to be in a good position in these conditions.

"The young guys are willing to take all the risk, and Giacomo was not as willing."

Dylan Groenewegen (Team Roompot) won the dicey ending in a photo finish over Roy Jans (Wanty-Group Gobert) and Tom Boonen (Etixx-Quick Step) completed the podium in third.

Trek Factory Racing lines up again Sunday in the GP Fourmies; a chance to make better in a race that again is expected to end in a bunch sprint.

“We were in the front in the last 60 kilometers because it was raining, and all the big teams were interested in a bunch finish, but then with the wet roads in Brussels it was just really dangerous at the end…there is not much more to say,” concluded Gallopin.

“Tenth is not such a result when you see how we are doing in the Vuelta and Alberta,” Gallopin chuckled. “Anyway, we don’t have a lot of pressure and we have one more race tomorrow and we will see.”