If at first you don't succeed: Filippo Ganna is a Classics winner at last

Filippo Ganna, the formidable Italian time trialist and track specialist, finally secured his maiden Classics victory on Wednesday, triumphing at Dwars door Vlaanderen. After years of attempting to convert his immense power into a cobbled Classic win, Ganna launched a decisive attack from a small lead group in the final kilometers, holding off a chase spearheaded by Mads Pedersen and Jasper Philipsen to cross the line solo. This marks a significant breakthrough for the INEOS Grenadiers rider, who has often been a factor in these races but never the victor.

This long-awaited win is more than just a notch on Ganna's palmarès; it represents a validation of his persistent efforts to adapt his prodigious engine to the nuanced demands of the cobbled Classics. For years, his raw power was evident, but tactical missteps or ill-timed efforts often saw him fall short. This victory, coming just days before the Tour of Flanders, positions him as a genuine threat for future monuments, potentially shifting the dynamic in races traditionally dominated by Belgian and Dutch specialists.

Ganna's victory at Dwars door Vlaanderen proves that sometimes, even the most powerful engines need a few extra attempts to find the right gear on the cobbles.