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Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) started 2024 by extending his undefeated streak to eight races, soloing away from rival Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) on the primary lap and by no means trying again. Pim Ronhaar (Baloise Trek) was third.
“I loved it, it’s all the time a enjoyable cross that fits me nicely,” Van der Poel mentioned. “That is essentially the most enjoyable as a cyclocross rider, a really technical course with these deep ruts. It was troublesome, however the fairest and most enjoyable.
“Wout instantly set a quick tempo. I took over, had a pleasant hole once more after which rode pretty clear. It was a pleasant day.”
Van Aert took the opening shot and stayed with the world champion on the primary lap however needed to let go quickly after, leaving Van der Poel to yet one more solo victory.
“To be sincere I used to be stunned I used to be to date behind, Mathieu was tremendous sturdy,” Van Aert mentioned. “I had begin and I believe I owe it to myself to attempt. I put vitality within the first two laps, made a mistake, after which had to return to my very own tempo. It was the beginning of a one-man-show.”
On a moist, muddy, treacherous course on the Sven Nys Biking Centre in Baal, Van der Poel adopted Van Aert with a fast begin and the pair have been along with Pim Ronhaar (Baloise Trek) on the opening lap, being chased by Thibau Nys (Baloise Trek).
However it wasn’t lengthy earlier than Van der Poel powered clear, and a small mistake from Van Aert in a deep mud puddle was the opening he wanted to go away the Belgian behind.
Ronhaar clung onto Van Aert because the hole yawned to 48 seconds by the top of the second lap, whereas Tom Pidcock (Ineos Grenadiers) was in a chasing trio with Michael Vanthourenhout (Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal) and Lars van der Haar (Baloise Trek).
Van der Poel continued splashing away whereas Van Aert dropped Ronhaar as rain started to fall and remained flawless via to the end whereas Pidcock vanished from the chasing group within the closing laps.
Van Aert cruised in for second place virtually two minutes down, whereas Ronhaar persevered in third at 2:44.
Van der Haar prolonged his lead within the X2O Trophy with fourth forward of Vanthourenhout, whereas Nys chased him to the road for sixth.
Outcomes
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