Mads Pedersen won the Gent-Wevelgem classic ©Getty Images

Denmark's Mads Pedersen took victory at the Gent-Wevelgem classic after outsprinting his rivals in the final stretch of the race in Belgium.

The Trek-Segafredo rider broke clear of the likes of Florian Sénéchal of France, and Italy's Matteo Trentin and Alberto Bettiol to claim what he described as one of the biggest wins of his career.

They finished just ahead of a group that contained pre-race favourites Wout van Aert of Belgium and Dutchman Mathieu van der Poel, who won the BinckBank Tour last week.

Pedersen, the former road world champion, powered to the line at the conclusion of the 232-kilometer race to ensure he warmed up for the upcoming Tour of Flanders in style.

Van der Poel and Van Aert were among the riders to launch attacks 70km from the finish, but none proved definitive.

The Danish rider said the victory was one of the biggest wins of his career ©Getty Images
The Danish rider said the victory was one of the biggest wins of his career ©Getty Images

The Belgian and Bettiol sprinted ahead with 15km to go, marking the first big split in the race, before the main group started to shape up for a final assault for the line.

Van der Poel and Van Aert continued to trade attacks but Trentin, Sénéchal, and Bettiol managed to break free 1.3km from the end of the course.

Pedersen emerged from the group and established a lead before powering to victory at the International Cycling Union WorldTour race.

"It’s one of the biggest wins," the Dane said.

"I’m very happy.

"I love long sprints.

"I thought Van der Poel and Van Aert would have the capacity to react but I was able to start my sprint as I could."