"It feels great to finally take it": Niels Vandeputte claims first major win of the season in Kortrijk

Niels Vandeputte secured his first major victory of the cyclocross season in Urban Cross Kortrijk, prevailing in a hard-fought race and finishing ahead Cameron Mason. While he had already won the Cyclocross UC Dippach (C2) in Luxembourg back in September, today's race was of a much higher level.

The race quickly took shape on Kortrijk’s fast and open circuit when British champion Cameron Mason launched into an explosive opening lap, forcing an early selection. With 2 laps to go, Vantourenhout gained a few meters on the front group, and at the penultimate lap it was just Lauryssen, Mason, Vanthourenhout, Kamp, Vandeputte, and Ferdinande in the front group.

All eyes were on Michael Vanthourenhout, as he was the biggest favourite, but he collided with Kamp on a bridge and crashed out of contention. That incident opened the door for a decisive finale. Mason attacked hard at the start of the final lap, with only Kamp and Vandeputte able to respond.

In the final part of the last lap it was clear the win would be fought between Mason and Vandeputte. It was Vandeputte who launched a lethal attack that Mason was not able to answer. The Belgian steadily extended his advantage and sealed the victory in the sand. Mason crossed the line second, with Kamp completing the podium.

“I’ve been close quite a few times already this season,” Vandeputte said after the finish in quotes collected by Sporza. “You start thinking about the chances you’ve missed. I knew today was an opportunity to really fight for the win, and it feels great to finally take it.”

Mason confirmed today's race was not his favourite ever. “I didn’t really enjoy the race today,” he admitted. “I’m not a big fan of these kinds of battles. After the first lap I felt terrible, so I just tried to stay out of trouble. In the final lap I just rode as fast as I could, without thinking tactically.”