The first confrontation between Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel turned out to be a victory for the Belgian champion. At Dendermonde, Van der Poel kept Van Aert in his sights for a long time, only in the last laps did Spring Break. Tun Airs finished third on the podium.
Watch the summary of the cross in Dondermond:
The Great Entrance to Van der Pol
After three matches and many demonstrations, Wout van Aert went in search of a fourth win of the season at Dendermonde on Boxing Day. It wouldn’t hurt, because someone Matthew van der Poel entered the long-awaited field.
Wherever the world champion starts, there’s something to try, Van der Poel proved by unloading on the spot with a cannon start. From row 3 he was driving in 1, 2, 3 between people.
Van Aert needed a little longer to get up quickly in the mud, but when he also found his rhythm, he quickly joined forces with excellent Van der Poel and Toon Aerts up front. The trio were allowed to fight each other for victory.
As Aertes slid away down a slope, Van Aert thought it was time to take the lead. The pressure of the Belgian champion Van der Poel bowed, but did not explode yet. Meanwhile, Aertes was folded fourfold.
Van Aert, Van der Poel and Aertz colorized the match.
Van Aert maintains error-free reporting
The two giants of the field kept their cat-and-mouse game for a few laps, but halfway through the Dutchman had to believe it. Van Aert turned away, and the battle was over.
Van Aert methodically solidified his lead at Ruth Dendermonde and eventually was ahead of the world champion by 49secs, followed by Aerts as a handsome third at 1’18.
In the background, the damage was even greater, with World Cup leader Eli Eserbet finishing ninth in the 3’13 minute. He sees Michael Fanthornhout, day four, regain some points in the standings, although his lead is still significant.
Thus Van Aert wins for the second year in a row at Dendermonde and retains his perfect report this winter. In addition, along with Van der Poel, he honors a stat from last season: As Big Two begins, they divide places 1 and 2 among themselves.
“Subtly charming internet specialist. Avid writer. Friendly alcohol guru. Music ninja. Devoted social media fanatic.”
More Stories
End of Vuelta ordeal: Belgian hope Lennert van Eetvelt out of Tour
This was a powerful opening ceremony for the Paralympics, steeped in symbolism and French charm.
Mathias Delorg helps KAA Gent reach sixth straight European group stage