83rd Ronde van Vlaanderen 1999 / Tour of Flanders (Belgium)

‘Native Son’ Wins a Royal Belgian Sprint

Belgian Peter Van Petegem, a native of Brakel in East Flanders, scored the first Major Classics victory of his career when he won the 1999 Ronde van Vlaanderen. 

Early breakaways were unsuccessful until a lead group of 34 riders formed on the climb of the Berendries with 33 km to go. In Geraardsbergen only 11 riders survive to challenge the Muur de Gammont. New Belgian strongman Frank Vandenbroucke and Swiss rider Markus Zberg crash at the base of the Muur and lost contact with the leaders. Johan Museeuw and Peter Van Petegem did not hesitate and escaped over the climb. Vandenbroucke remounted and would not be denied. His brilliant pursuit caught the two leaders at the top of the Bosberg. 

Around the final bend in Meerbke/Ninove Peter Van Petegem launched a ‘Royal Belgian Sprint’. He came past three time Ronde champion Johan Museeuw and held off the tiring Vandenbroucke to win the 1999 Ronde van Vlaanderen.

RVV 1998

RVV 2000

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