"I really had feelings of revenge" - Niels Vandeputte finally sees top form rewarded after weeks of close calls

Niels Vandeputte has been one of the most in form riders in the cyclocross world over recent weeks without much reward. Finally though, on Sunday afternoon at Flandriencross Hamme, the Alpecin-Deceuninck star managed to get himself a big victory.

After an enthralling battle, Vandeputte timed his move to perfection, coming to the front on the last lap and holding off the challenges of the likes of Eli Iserbyt, Felipe Orts, Thibau Nys and others to secure his first victory in around a month and a half, since Vandeputte triumphed on his season opener at the Brumath Bike Festival.

“This feels really good," admits a beaming 24-year-old Belgian in his post-race interview afterwards. "After yesterday's cross I really had feelings of revenge. Today I wanted to show how good my form is. To end it like this, that really feels good.”

"I'm growing year by year," Vandeputte adds. "After a very good summer, I started this cyclocross season with a lot of confidence. Now I'm also showing that I've become stronger and have taken a new step. That's rewarded with a victory. I definitely want to continue that line."