Well, he may be unbeatable, but sometimes bike racing can throw you some curves. Mathieu van der Poel made it harder than planned in Maasmechelen, but the dude still took the dub.
The world champion powered to another victory after a race defined by damage control and deep reserves. Two flats struck at the worst possible moments, forcing the Alpecin – Premier Tech rider into a constant chase and draining more energy than expected.
Tough day at the office
“It took a lot out of me today,” he said. The first one wasn’t a big deal. But the second flat made the champ put in some big watt bombs to get back.
And sure enough Van der Poel ultimately distanced Thibau Nys, Tibor Del Grosso, and Niels Vandeputte. A brief flash of panic followed. But a perfectly chosen line through a key section (as per MvdP) sealed the deal—and another hard-earned win.
Meanwhile, fellow dutchwoman Puck Pieterse bounced back from a heavy crash at the Dutch national championships to claim her first World Cup win of the season in Maasmechelen, edging out teammate Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado by 10 seconds. Amandine Fouquenet rounded out the podium, 11 seconds back, after a race marked by early shakeups and tactical moves through the sand and carry sections.
Defending overall champion Lucinda Brand, having already secured her fourth consecutive World Cup title, rode more conservatively and finished 10th, while Calgary’s Nico Knoll crossed 38th.
Pieterse took control midway through the race and maintained a slim but decisive lead over her rivals through the final laps, holding off late attacks to secure her second victory of the season as the World Cup heads to its finale in Hoogerheide.
And by the way, a whole buncha Canucks will use the race in Holland as a final tune-up for the worlds. Canadian Cycling Magazine will have reports on all the races–juniors are there too. And yes, the worlds are looming, and Team Canada is well-represented.