Mathieu van der Poel ends World Championships preparation with explosive victory in Hoogerheide; Eli Iserbyt wins World Cup

Mathieu van der Poel has done what Fem van Empel could in the women's race. A double victory weekend finishing in Hoogerheide; both World Champions head into the decisive weekend as the big favourites.

It was a very fast and chaotic start to the Dutch race, with Witse Meeussen victim of a crash right at the start line. Michael Vanthourenhout was delayed and only just over 10 minutes into the race crashed as he hit Ryan Kamp who fell in the barriers. Jens Adams was also harshly affected by a fall whilst riding within the front group.

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The fast track made it difficult to create gaps; Joris Nieuwenhuis and Eli Iserbyt took over the front of the race over the opening laps as Mathieu van der Poel followed wheels.

Throughout many laps that's the situation that developed, a few riders hit the front but no-one devoted themselves to a certain move. Mathieu van der Poel tested the waters in the second half of the race but was followed by Thibau Nys which led him to stop his attempt.

However on lap 8 he once again made a move and this time around it was definitive. Nys was the closest follower but soon after crashed. It was a win on the same circuit where van der Poel became World Champion last season. Joris Nieuwenhuis attacked to second place, whilst Pim Ronhaar finished third. Eli Iserbyt finished in the same group, in fifth, and has confirmed his World Cup victory

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