WB Benidorm
15:10 Benidorm
Wout van Aert ended his cyclo-cross season on a high note with a World Cup victory in Benidorm. For the first time this season he defeated world champion Mathieu van der Poel, who saw his perfect winter go up in smoke due to equipment failure and a fall. Van Aert also made it exciting with a smack on the beams. Michael Vanthourenhout finished 2nd, Thibau Nys 3rd.
Or how a chain problem can create a lot of enthusiasm.
Immediately after the start, Mathieu van der Poel had to pull aside to tinker with his bike. Certainly not a gift at the flying meeting in Benidorm. The world champion immediately knew what time it was: it was time to catch up.
Wout van Aert also did not have the best start, but took the lead after two laps. With strong acceleration he tried to make life difficult for Van der Poel in the background.
Although the latter enjoyed himself immensely. On the slightly sloping strip, the rainbow jersey handed out colds to his opponents. With enormous resistance he pulled himself to the head of the race.
Van der Poel immediately tried to hop on and over the suit, but a strong Van Aert did not allow that. The Belgian took the lead in the race and set the pace – one that also suited Michael Vanthourenhout and Tom Pidcock. The man in yellow was also at his wits’ end during a second escape attempt by MVDP.
With the final rounds in prospect, the group of top favorites started playing poker, which made us seem to be on our way to a sprint with a larger group.
Until Mathieu van der Poel crashed in the penultimate round.
Van Aert reacted like a man possessed and kicked the suit into pieces. Only Michael Vanthourenhout – yesterday’s winner in Zonnebeke – was still stuck to his rear tire.
On the last sloping stretch, the European champion also folded under the pounding of his compatriot. Wout van Aert himself made it exciting with an ugly crash on the beams.
He was the first to cross the finish line on a broken saddle. A welcome addition to his eternal rival’s account. Vanthourenhout took second place, Thibau Nys came in third.
Eli Iserbyt secures final victory in the World Cup with his 4th place. Van der Poel is disappointed in 5th place.
Reactions from the main actors:
Michael Vanthourenhout: “This may be one of the best crosses of my season. I didn’t expect it after a tough cross yesterday. Maybe I should do that more often. On the penultimate climb I was able to follow Wout, but the last passage was too much. That’s the difference in power, of course.”
Thibau Nys: “I am very satisfied, because I did not expect it. I was a bit disappointed in my moment of inattention, which took me off course a bit. Although more than third was not possible.”
Eli Iserbyt: “I first had a flat tire, then my shifter was broken, then my handlebars were crooked and at the last change I was done with it. Too bad I came out of my pedal before the finish, because third place was there in.”
Related:
Phase by phase
Wout van Aert finishes it
He had to go very deep and rode to the finish without a saddle, but he still succeeded. Wout van Aert celebrates a prestigious victory in Benidorm. He holds off a very strong Michael Vanthourenhout. Thibau Nys is also shining on stage.
Van Aert makes it exciting, with a late crash, but triumphs in Benidorm
Slider Van Aert!
Van Aert falls on the beams. His sunglasses are in the trash, but luckily for the Belgian his chain is still where it should be. He quickly jumps back on the bike.
Wout van Aert is an outlaw. The Belgian will still record a prestigious victory in his shortened cross season.
The winning jump?
Van Aert climbs up the slope. Vanthourenhout grits his teeth. Is this the winning jump?
Van Aert makes a decisive move in the final round, Vanthourenhout cannot follow
Last round
Van Aert or Vanthourenhout? Who will triumph in Benidorm?
Don’t forget: Michael Vanthourenhout also rode and won in Zonnebeke yesterday. He got up at 4 o’clock this morning and will soon fight with Van Aert for a win in Benidorm. Punishment.
A smitten look from Van der Poel. He no longer believes in his chances of winning and lets things slide. Vanthourenhout is now doing everything he can to stick to Van Aert’s rear wheel.
Van der Poel drops out at the front after a fall
Fall Van der Poel!
At the worst possible time. Van der Poel falls just before the long straight stretch. Van Aert has understood the message and throws his legs away.
Bad luck! Van der Poel slides down in the penultimate lap
Eli Iserbyt squeezes between Van Aert and Van der Poel. The World Cup leader thus anticipates his continued bike changes. He just can’t find the right feeling on his two-wheelers.
Van der Poel has to use his best driving skills to avoid Van Aert after the beams.
Suddenly Thibau Nys reappears just behind the leading group. He takes Nieuwenhuis and Iserbyt in his wake. Will we get a large leading group again?
Silence before the storm. The top 4 choose to ride trains at the front. Everyone seems to be saving their strength for scorching final rounds.
Van Aert takes over and sets the pace again. Vanthourenhout and Pidcock appear again. The group starts round 7 together.
Cyclocross World Cup
2024-01-21 14:52:00
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