Lars van der Haar has won the Koppenbergcross in an impressive way. In Oudenaarde there was no stopping the Dutchman from Baloise Trek Lions, who escaped just after halfway through the cross. Eli Iserbyt and Toon Aerts were allowed on stage.
While Yorben Lauryssen made a great start, Thibau Nys lost quite a few places. Only around tenth position did the outgoing winner enter the field. Behind the surprising Lauryssen, a pack of riders followed within a handful of seconds, led by Eli Iserbyt, who rode behind his teammate but mainly wanted to keep Nys at a distance.
At the first time at Koppenberg, Lauryssen was grabbed by his leader. What’s more, Iserbyt went all out. Michael Vanthourenhout hitched his wagon to his teammate. The Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal duo worked well together, but a round later the returning Nys, Toon Aerts and Lars van der Haar were able to join. (Read more below the photo)
© BELGIUM
In the fourth round, Thibau Nys tested his legs for the first time, but the Balenian was able to beat Iserbyt and co. do not release. What Nys junior could not do, his Dutch teammate can. Van der Haar opened the throttle after two-thirds of the cross and immediately opened up a gap. Iserbyt tried to jump towards the Dutchman, but the Belgian champion’s attempt did not go far.
It caused the chasing group to completely split up. Iserbyt had the best credentials for second place, while Aerts and Nys fought for third place. And Lars van der Haar? That was completely gone. With a lead of 39 seconds, he could start the final lap with confidence. Only bad luck would keep the Baloise Trek Lions rider from winning.
Fortunately, things did not get that far, so the 33-year-old Dutchman crossed the line solo and was able to raise his hands in the air on the Koppenberg for the second time in his career.
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Eli Iserbyt came over half a minute after Van der Haar, Toon Aaerts had to give up almost a minute. Thibau Nys won the sprint for fourth place from Michael Vanthourenhout.
