Results Superprestige Middelkerke | Michael Vanthourenhout takes victory as punctures settle overall title race

Michael Vanthourenhout brought the Superprestige season to a close with victory in Middelkerke, breaking clear in the final laps to take the day’s honours as Niels Vandeputte calmly rode his way to a second consecutive overall title.

The race initially unfolded with uncertainty among the main contenders. Both Vanthourenhout and Vandeputte began cautiously, positioned outside the top ten as the opening laps were controlled from the front by Joris Nieuwenhuis and Gerben Kuypers. Early body language from Vanthourenhout suggested a difficult start, while Vandeputte focused on tracking his closest rival rather than forcing the pace.

That changed dramatically in the third lap. Vanthourenhout launched a powerful comeback, surging from tenth place into the leading group in a matter of minutes. His acceleration coincided with Vandeputte’s own move forward, the two title contenders finally committing as the race began to take shape.

By halfway, Pauwels Sauzen had taken full control. Kuypers and Vanthourenhout established themselves at the front, riding together to stretch the race and isolate their rivals. Vandeputte settled into third place, riding within himself and keeping the gap manageable, a position that remained sufficient to defend his Superprestige lead.

The decisive moment came late in the race. With two laps remaining, Kuypers suffered a puncture, immediately ending the team’s two-man control at the front. Vanthourenhout reacted instantly, accelerating away from his stranded team-mate to go solo.

Behind, Vandeputte briefly also had to change bikes due to a puncture of his own, but the gap to fourth place remained comfortable. Felipe Orts was unable to close in, allowing Vandeputte to continue without risk to his overall position.

Vanthourenhout maintained his advantage through the final lap, riding unchallenged to the line to claim his first Superprestige victory in Middelkerke. Vandeputte followed home in second place, content in the knowledge that the overall title was already secured.

As Vanthourenhout celebrated a statement win to end the campaign, Vandeputte confirmed his consistency across the winter, defending his Superprestige crown and closing the season as the strongest all-round performer in the series.