Results Superprestige Overijse Men's 2025 | Vanthourenhout outduels Ronhaar to claim Druivencross victory after late surge

Michael Vanthourenhout produced a masterclass in patience and precision to win the men’s Superprestige Overijse, overhauling long-time leader Pim Ronhaar on the final lap to take his second major victory of the season. The Belgian champion timed his effort perfectly on the brutal Druivencross circuit, stretching clear on the last climb to seal the win by seven seconds.

The race began at full throttle to the sound of the Radetzky March, with Niels Vandeputte and Emiel Verstrynge driving the early pace through the slick, leaf-covered slopes. Ronhaar and Lars van der Haar soon joined them, while Vanthourenhout endured another slow start and had to fight his way through the traffic.

Toon Aerts’ day unravelled before it began — a dropped chain forcing him to run to the pits — while Cameron Mason impressed further back, staying upright and composed as others faltered. After two laps Verstrynge still led, chased by Vandeputte and the Dutch duo of Ronhaar and Joris Nieuwenhuis, but the race remained tightly packed.

Half an hour in, Vanthourenhout had bridged to the front, turning the lead group into a five-man battle. When Ronhaar attacked again, only the Belgian could follow, the pair breaking free as Nieuwenhuis, Verstrynge and Vandeputte formed the chasing trio. With each passing lap the gap stabilised around eight seconds, Vanthourenhout content to let his Dutch rival dictate the tempo while he measured his effort behind.

On the penultimate circuit Ronhaar attacked once more, dancing over the ruts and cobbles, but Vanthourenhout held firm. Then, on the final lap, the decisive move came: the Belgian surged past along the fields of Tempo Overijse, opening daylight as Ronhaar finally cracked. By the finish, Vanthourenhout’s advantage had stretched to seven seconds, enough to celebrate with trademark composure as he crossed the line alone.

Behind, Verstrynge out-sprinted Vandeputte to take the final podium spot after a fierce late duel. For Vanthourenhout, the victory consolidates his Superprestige lead and confirms his growing momentum ahead of the European Championships in Middelkerke — a timely reminder that the Belgian champion remains the benchmark of consistency on the toughest terrain in cyclocross.