Max Kanter Triumphs in Famenne Ardenne Classic Ahead of Giro d’Italia

Professional cyclist Max Kanter delivered a remarkable performance in preparation for the Giro d’Italia, clinching his first victory of the season. The 27-year-old from Cottbus emerged victorious in the Belgian one-day race, Famenne Ardenne Classic, outpacing his Dutch Astana teammate Cees Bol and Belgian rider Arne Marit in a thrilling sprint finish.

This win marks Kanter’s second triumph as a professional, following an earlier stage win at the 2024 Turkey Tour. „Cees deserved to win today as well. It feels wonderful to have secured the victory. It means a lot to me and rewards my hard training,“ Kanter remarked. „The finish line was quite chaotic; the uphill stretch was challenging, and one had to conserve energy wisely.“

The peloton engaged in an exciting finale after 186.7 kilometers of racing. Although Kanter was initially positioned behind Bol, he found himself boxed in just a few hundred meters from the finish line, necessitating a last-minute effort to regain momentum. With sheer determination, Kanter managed to surge past Bol mere meters from the finish.

This success is expected to provide Kanter with a boost of confidence as he prepares for the Giro d’Italia, commencing this Saturday in Durres, Albania. He is included in the provisional lineup for the race and aims to achieve a stage victory during his fourth participation in the Giro, competing alongside a team largely comprised of climbers.