Superprestige standings update: Vanthourenhout clings to men’s lead while Van der Heijden seizes control in wide-open women’s battle after round 3 in Niel

Three rounds into the 2025/26 Telenet Superprestige and both overall classifications are already finely poised. Michael Vanthourenhout continues to defend his early dominance on the men’s side, while Inge van der Heijden has emerged as the surprise pacesetter in an unpredictable women’s contest that has already seen three different winners.

After Ruddervoorde, Overijse and Niel, the standings paint a picture of momentum shifts, resurgent champions, and breakthrough challengers threatening to overturn early expectations.

Michael Vanthourenhout’s trademark steadiness has kept him on top with 43 points, built from wins in Ruddervoorde and Overijse followed by third in Niel. The Pauwels Sauzen–Altez Industriebouw leader’s ability to deliver week after week has been the defining feature of his campaign so far — but the gap is narrowing fast.

Niels Vandeputte sits only four points behind on 39, after a near-miss victory in Niel. Just behind, Emiel Verstrynge continues his most consistent Superprestige run to date, tied on 32 points with Joris Nieuwenhuis but ranked higher on countback thanks to his Overijse podium.

Former series winner Laurens Sweeck reignited his challenge with victory at Niel — a result that reminded everyone of his finishing power. However, his non-start in Overijse means he currently sits seventh overall with 23 points, still well within range as drop scores come into play later in the season.

The women’s Superprestige has been even more volatile — and all the better for it. Three different winners from the first three rounds have left Inge van der Heijden narrowly on top with 37 points, after consistent top-four finishes across Ruddervoorde, Overijse and Niel.

Her steadiness has given her a slender cushion over Aniek van Alphen (35 pts) and Amandine Fouquenet (35 pts), both of whom have impressed with repeat podiums. Behind them, a remarkable three-way tie on 29 points between Helene Clauzel, Lucinda Brand and Sara Casasola shows just how open this year’s fight has become.

Brand and Casasola have already tasted victory — in Niel and Overijse respectively — while Marion Norbert-Riberolle’s early success in Ruddervoorde keeps her seventh overall on 25 points, still well within striking distance.

Top 10 Women after 3 Rounds: