<p>Davide Ballerini continued his strong start to the cycling season by sprinting to victory on Saturday in the Het Nieuwsblad, the opening Belgian classic of the year.</p>.<p>The Italian sprinter who rides for Deceuninck-Quick Step edged Briton Jake Stewart of Groupama in the bunch finish at the end of the 200.5 km run from Ghent to Ninove.</p>.<p>Sep Vanmarcke of Israel Start-Up Nation was third.</p>.<p>In a race that was marked by the usual attacks, Ballerini was part of one dangerous breakaway that also included heavyweights Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe and Belgian Greg Van Avermaet.</p>.<p>The 26-year-old Ballerini won the first two stages of the Tour de Provence earlier this month but the victory in a World Tour race was the biggest of his career.</p>.<p>"It's a dream come true," Ballerini told broadcaster Eurosport. "This is the start of the really big classics. I love it and I love this team. It was my dream since I was a baby when I saw my first race on TV."</p>
<p>Davide Ballerini continued his strong start to the cycling season by sprinting to victory on Saturday in the Het Nieuwsblad, the opening Belgian classic of the year.</p>.<p>The Italian sprinter who rides for Deceuninck-Quick Step edged Briton Jake Stewart of Groupama in the bunch finish at the end of the 200.5 km run from Ghent to Ninove.</p>.<p>Sep Vanmarcke of Israel Start-Up Nation was third.</p>.<p>In a race that was marked by the usual attacks, Ballerini was part of one dangerous breakaway that also included heavyweights Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe and Belgian Greg Van Avermaet.</p>.<p>The 26-year-old Ballerini won the first two stages of the Tour de Provence earlier this month but the victory in a World Tour race was the biggest of his career.</p>.<p>"It's a dream come true," Ballerini told broadcaster Eurosport. "This is the start of the really big classics. I love it and I love this team. It was my dream since I was a baby when I saw my first race on TV."</p>