"The past few weekends show that I've simply grown as a rider" - Unexpected Superprestige leader Niels Vandeputte proud of his start to the season
Cyclocross
With three rounds of the Superprestige series, we have a rather unexpected provisional leader within the 24-year-old Niels Vandeputte. The Belgian has been in the broader pool of favourites for some time but it's only at the start of the 2024/25 winter that he's beginning to display his full potential.
Vandeputte kicked off the season with victory in France, but even though he's yet to finish outside the top-4, the victory counter remains at "1" as well. "I think I've been very consistent in those races so far and haven't made many mistakes. So that leading position is a nice reward, I think," he tells In de Leiderstrui after his third place in Niel.
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The Alpecin-Deceuninck rider seems to have had the smoothest possible run up to the cyclocross season and profits from it: "I just had a really good summer. No injuries or illnesses, nothing to complain about... I was able to do what I had to do and that's what allowed me to start the season in this form and keep it up. As long as it lasts, I'm very happy."
But one must ask if there is any secret behind the improvement? "That's hard to say. Maybe I've gotten stronger, but I'm always still motivated at the end of the season. There are still races that are close to me and that suit me, while others might already dare to wind down or are less motivated. However, the past few weekends show that I've simply grown as a rider."
Vandeputte's partner, Dutch cyclist Yara Kastelijn, is one of the major pieces that allowed the Belgian to step up this winter, he asserts: "She plays a very important role. She is my confidant and the person I can share everything with. When things are going well, but also when things are not going so well. I am very grateful to her for that and I try to do the same for her in the summer, so I think we complement each other well in that way and bring out the best in each other."
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Ondrej ZhasilCycling Journalist
Ondřej Zhasil is a cycling journalist at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2023. He is based in Ostrava, the third-largest city in the Czech Republic, and covers professional cycling across the main UCI competitions, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España. A key focus of his work is startlist analysis and pre-race coverage, where he examines team selections, rider line-ups, and tactical scenarios ahead of major events.
Alongside WorldTour coverage, Ondřej has developed specific expertise in junior cycling and in racing across East Asia, including competitions in China and Japan. He also maintains a broad working knowledge of other disciplines and levels, including cyclocross, while continuing to expand his understanding of mountain bike racing.
Ondřej holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physics, which supports his analytical, data-driven approach to performance and race analysis. In his reporting, he regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available.
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- Yeah man...PogiSloFans07-11-2026
- any rider less than 25 whether they are really ready for the position of leadership of GT is probably not the case. I think Pogi himself suffered when he was defeated by Jonas in the TDF twice. But that would be the team's job to ensure support so that they can bounce back. It requires a team and time to get back up and win after getting knocked down.abstractengineer07-11-2026
- I'm very glad he got the big late Quickstep Vuelta win and I hope he has a few left for Euskaltel-Euskadi.flyer07-11-2026
- My memories of Ivan Basso aren't good but I liked his sister Elisa ok.flyer07-11-2026
- I'm picking .... .... Never mind 🫥flyer07-11-2026
- If Tiberi has a better and more consistent 2027 I somehow doubt it will be because of this victorious warning. Unless his preparation has been off, cycling isn't football.flyer07-11-2026
- Love this guy. He is such a pure racer.mij07-11-2026
- Fair enough. Everyone’s entitled to one and I respect yours! Nothing wrong with being a one week and GT guy if that’s his vibemij07-11-2026
- LOL...it's a predetermined finish ! N one is 'clashing' at these exhibition crits!frieders307-11-2026
- Surely the UCI and the race organisers have a responsibility to ensure the best medical care is available to riders when incidents like this happen. All very well pushing for global expansion but not so good if riders lives are put at risk because medical support is not up to scratch.Andy12306-11-2026
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