Superprestige 2025/26 standings update: Inge van der Heijden tightens grip as Niels Vandeputte wrestles men’s lead away after Merksplas shake-up

Four rounds into the 2025/26 Telenet Superprestige and both classifications have taken a significant turn after a dramatic afternoon in Merksplas.

The women’s race has begun to settle into a clearer hierarchy, with Inge van der Heijden tightening her grip on the overall lead after another strong display.

The men’s competition, by contrast, delivered its biggest twist of the season so far as the long-standing leader was finally dislodged after a tense and technical round.

As the Superprestige heads into its mid-season phase, Merksplas has reshaped the momentum on both sides — and the series looks more tightly contested than ever.

For the first time this season, Michael Vanthourenhout no longer sits on top of the Superprestige standings. His eighth-place finish in Merksplas opened the door for a change, and Niels Vandeputte — runner-up on the day — seized the opportunity to move ahead by two points.

Behind them, the biggest winner was Joris Nieuwenhuis. His victory in Merksplas brought him to 47 points, launching him directly into the overall podium battle. With momentum shifting heavily in his favour after two strong rounds, the Dutchman is now only six points off the lead.

Emiel Verstrynge’s consistency continues to define his campaign. Third on the day, he leaves Merksplas on 45 points, still firmly in the hunt and now part of a tightly packed leading quartet separated by just eight points.

Further back, Jente Michels consolidates fifth place, while Toon Vandebosch remains sixth. Laurens Sweeck and Joran Wyseure sit locked on 26 points each, and Cameron Mason jumps to 18 points after another top-five ride.

The women’s classification remains fiercely contested, but Merksplas has clarified the hierarchy at the top. Inge van der Heijden, fourth on the day, stretches her overall lead to 50 points, maintaining her reputation as the most reliable rider in the series.

However, Aniek van Alphen’s second place in Merksplas brings her just one point off the top — and with momentum on her side, the Superprestige looks increasingly like a straight duel between the pair heading into Hamme.

Amandine Fouquenet keeps herself firmly in contention on 46 points, while Lucinda Brand’s victory projects her back into the overall narrative. Now on 44 points, and with form surging, she may yet turn the top-three battle into a three-rider fight.

Further back, Helene Clauzel remains fifth on 37 points, with Julie Brouwers sixth after another strong ride. Several riders — including Casasola, Betsema and Norbert-Riberolle — remain well-placed, but the consistency shown by the Dutch trio at the top is beginning to create a gap.