2 for 2 as Mathieu van der Poel dominates Zilvermeercross Mol - Sweeck and Vanthourenhout complete podium as Vandeputte takes cup lead
Cyclocross
Despite the absence of Wout van Aert, the Zilvermeercross Mol still delivered some interesting action. Mathieu van der Poel took his second win in as many days, but it was certainly not the dominant performance he showed this weekend.
Niels Vandeputte started the race in front, controlling the first lap but over the first few laps the front group rode around relatively compact. The circuit was not very selective and Mathieu van der Poel wasn't looking to have a full hour all-out.
Eventually he did the front on lap 4, immediately opening up gaps. But initially, Laurens Sweeck matched him and in the key sand section of the course looked to be superior to the World Champion. But outside of it, it was difficult to match the pace, and on lap 6 van der Poel went solo off the front.
There was no matching him at this point, the World Champion rode to a comfortable win, building a gap of a minute to Laurens Sweeck who was at the end his closest competitor. After a very rough weekend, Michael Vanthourenhout left behind the rest of the field to finish fourth on the day. Joran Wyseure was fourth and Niels Vandeputte moved up to the cup lead by finishing fifth ahead of Lars van der Haar.
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A founding contributor to CyclingUpToDate since its launch in January 2022, Ruben Silva has played a central role in shaping the site’s editorial direction and long-term growth. Before joining the project, he built his experience through independent blogging at Echelons Hub and by producing race previews for Ciclismo Internacional, developing a strong analytical voice rooted in daily engagement with professional cycling.
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- Looking at that photo she appears to be several feet from her. I’m not sure how that impeded brands sprint.mij07-11-2026
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leedorney07-11-2026 - The road from Holyrood to Edinburgh Castle is a nice steady climb of just over a mile that is cobbled in many parts. (Very slippery if wet!) If the teams are going by one by one that will give fans an even better view of the riders up close than the castle esplanade.Cyclingsbestfan07-11-2026
- wtf dudemij07-11-2026
- big rival … ridiculous.Ketterechts07-11-2026
- It would be great if the World Champion's jersey could be rotated among McNulty, Simmons, and Jorgenson. They threaded the needle perfectly. If each hadn't done exactly what he did, exactly when he did it, the race would have gone to one of the more heralded superstars. That said, how nice that this humble and hardworking guy gets his moment in the sun.
MarkFour07-11-2026 - This is a really interesting idea, which, if well prepared could even be very successful. Very little money needs to be involved for a first season and any success could lead to rapid interest from sponsors.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- Hmmm, you seem to have a very convenient black and white view of things. Perhaps you haven’t been around much to discover how complex problems can become over time with people who know how to control, manipulate (or worse) others so gradually or subtly that you arrive at an irresolvable situation before you realise. This is how many inconveniences get introduced to the young, naïve, passionate or “desperate”, knowing they are not armed, protected or strong enough to defend themselves once it’s too late. Why do you think omerta culture is so widespread, why do you think so many people continue to go through so many awful things in life that others can’t understand anyone getting into? Life may be far more jolly for you but you would do well to understand (or reflect more on) the real world to refrain from being so quick to criticise those in a hard spot that may have genuine reason for speaking out.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- Seriously do you think when somebody gets into a serious accident, the ambulance is called by the hurt person?🤦 there is always a buddy system in place for a risky job. police , firefighters etc so that if someone gets hurt, the other call that in.abstractengineer07-11-2026
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