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Wout van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) conquered a moist and sandy course in Mol to win Zilvermeercross on Friday night. He saved his quickest lap occasions for the ultimate two circuits to outdistance Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) by 56 seconds.
World Champion Tom Pidcock (Ineos Grenadiers) was one other 24 seconds again for third place. World Cup chief Laurens Sweeck (Crelan-Fristads) outsprinted Quinten Hermans (Tormans Cyclo Cross Crew) for fourth and fifth, respectively.
It was one other traditional battle between Van Aert and Van der Poel in a head-to-head battle, with the Jumbo-Visma rider returning to the fray after a highway camp. Van Aert, in simply his third ‘cross begin, had scored the World Cup win in Dublin two weeks in the past whereas Van der Poel made his fifth begin, together with a pair of World Cup wins.
“I did not anticipate to win right here,” Van Aert mentioned afterwards. “Possibly that makes this victory all of the extra candy.
“The primary half was principally about probing and figuring out good and unhealthy strains. The second half went loads higher, and I created a niche. I can solely be glad with as we speak.
“It is a good begin to a busy interval. As a younger youngster, I rode championships right here. It is a ravishing course in my house area. I’ve plenty of nice reminiscences right here. That makes this win much more sensible.”
The lads’s subject was strung out after the primary of 9 laps, the favourites on the entrance on a gentle day with rain falling in Mol for night races. Two circuits later, attrition led to 5 riders stealing the present. Van Aert took a fall within the sand earlier than the third lap was accomplished, however didn’t lose sight of Van der Poel, Hermans shut behind. Then Pidcock and Sweeck needed to dismount and run in the identical part, shedding floor.
With three laps to go, Van Aert and Van der Poel created separation with Hermans and the 2 matched efforts. However with two to go, Van Aert gained his benefit within the sand.
It was the fourth time Van Aert discovered the highest step of the rostrum at Zilvermeercross, profitable final day trip within the 2020-2021 season. That outing he took victory within the sand and snow in a battle in opposition to Laurens Sweeck, as Van der Poel and different massive title riders had been absent within the race, held in early January. Zilvermeercross was not held final season.
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