Michael Vanthourenhout (Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal) gained the Precise Cross Zonnebeke – Kasteelcross, soloing throughout the end line 24 seconds forward of runner-up Gianni Vermeersch (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and 48 seconds forward of third-placed Tim Merlier (Soudal-QuickStep).
A bunch of 4 riders emerged early within the race with Vanthourenhout and Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal teammate Yordi Cousus, Merlier, Vermeersch, and Lander Loockx (TDT-Unibet).
Vanthourenhout, Vermeersch and Merlier separated themselves from the others mid-race. Nevertheless, Merlier slid out by way of a nook on lap seven and into the wood stake, dropping precious seconds on the main pair, Vanthourenhout and Vermeersch.
Vanthourenhout used his superior cyclocross talent to open a niche on his two nearest rivals throughout the penultimate lap, opening a two-second hole over Vermeersch and a further two seconds on tiring Merlier.
The European Champion pushed his lead out to greater than 20 seconds on the final lap, all that was wanted to take the day’s win and convey confidence into the subsequent day’s World Cup in Benidorm.
Outcomes
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