Van Alphen (Seven Racing) remains the leader in the World Cup standings. With 91 points she is still eleven points ahead of Brand. Leonie Bentveld, also Dutch, already has 26 points to make up for in third place.
Julie Brouwers took the gang into the field, but Van Alphen took over the lead before the beams. The passage in the sand was a challenge for Brand, who caused the peloton to completely crumble. A leading group of four, in which Brand was joined by Sara Casasola, Van Alphen and Bentveld, entered the second round with a small lead over Van Anrooij and Manon Bakker. After ten minutes there were six leading players, shortly afterwards Brand accelerated, while Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado left the race after twelve minutes.
Van Anrooij and Van Alphen wrenched themselves away from their companions and fought for the closest place of honor. Brand started the sixth and final lap with a 28-second lead over Van Alphen and Van Anrooij. Bakker, Casasola and Bentveld fought for fourth place at 1:08. Fire no longer caused problems. Van Alphen abandoned Van Anrooij and rode to the closest place of honor.
The fourth heat is scheduled for next Sunday in Namur.
