23/12/2023

Magnificent Mathieu van der Poel blitzes the field for first UCI World Cup win of the winter in Antwerp

Recovering from a slow start, Mathieu van der Poel has absolutely dominated what was a world-class field in Antwerp.

In a nightmare start for two of the big guns, Tom Pidcock had issues, holding up Mathieu van der Poel in the process. As the pair attempted to pick their way back through the field, Joris Nieuwenhuis, Eli Iserbyt and Michael Vanthourenhout were the early front runners although there weren't any real differences.

Preliminary startlist Cyclocross Gavere World Cup with Van der Poel, Van Aert, Pidcock, Merlier, Iserbyt, Van Empel, Pieterse and Alvarado

On lap 3 however, van der Poel had got himself right back to the front of proceedings. He didn't waste long recovering before kicking clear either, the world champion accelerating through the sand to extend into a lead. Once he made his move, that was it and van der Poel quickly rode out of sight. In seemingly no time at all, the Dutchman was over 20 seconds clear.

Behind the dominant, sole leader, the battle for second was intriguing as a big group were still locked together.

Entering the final lap, van der Poel's lead had upped to near a minute, whilst behind, Eli Iserbyt and Wout van Aert were proving the best of the rest. In the end, it was van Aert who won the race for second with Iserbyt having to settle for the final spot on the podium.