Exact Cross Loenhout
3:00 PM Loenhout
No, the first meeting between Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert did not become a duel. As expected, the world champion was also a size too big for the returning Belgian – who had to deal with germs last week – in Loenhout. Van Aert appeared to immediately force his way to the podium after a thrilling battle between the Belgians, but a final crash dropped him back to fourth place.
Has the long wait been rewarded? Anyway.
With the Holeshot, Wout van Aert spoiled the crowd in Loenhout, where a real festival atmosphere reigned. But after more than 5 minutes, the biggest bull stood up in the arena.
Mathieu van der Poel pressed his accelerator for the first time, Van Aert hit back like a devil in a stoup.
After falling to his knees in the mud, Van Aert had to leave the pursuit to Laurens Sweeck.
The latter surprised friends and enemies with a superb catch-up race. After 3 of 7 rounds, Sweeck had captured the supposedly untouchable world champion. MVP then cited a saddle break as an explanation.
However, there was no brainstorming during the duo time trial: half a lap later, Sweeck’s song had already been sung.
Van der Poel was banned and did what he came to Loenhout to do: win, even if he didn’t always look fresh under his arms after a hearty Christmas menu.
In the background, Sweeck had blown himself up, Thibau Nys and Van Aert smelled blood.
All three appeared to be on their way to a podium sprint, until Van Aert began to drift around a corner and had to retire after a minor collision with a spectator.
A slight disappointment after an otherwise fascinating piece.
A report:
Result Exact Cross Loenhout
| nom | result | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | at 58’11” | |
| 2 | at 14″ | |
| 3 | 15″ | |
| 4 | Wout van Aert | 36″ |
| 5 | Niels Vandeputte | 1’09” |
| 6 |  Jens Adams | 1’15” |
| 7 | Thomas Mein | 1’27” |
| 8 | Lander Loockx | 1’34” |
| 9 | Tim Merlier | 1’54” |
| 10 | Thijs Aerts | 2’04” |
Nys sprints to 2nd place against Sweeck
This slip ensures the podium is gone for Van Aert
It won’t be a real sprint: Nys takes 2nd place ahead of Sweeck.
Van Aert termine of 4.
MVDP
We almost forgot, but the winner crossed the finish line. Mathieu van der Poel sings victory. He does not give a gift himself, but neither has he received one.
Nys puts pressure on Sweeck with long movements while walking. He must do everything he can to understand.
Van Aert is still strongly encouraged, but he will have to leave the sprint to Nys and Sweeck.
Disappointment! Van Aert is caught by Nys on the inside corner and starts to drift a little. There, he comes into contact with a spectator and the scene disappears.
We are halfway through the final round. Van Aert breaks through, but there is no separation.
Van der Poel collides with a post: “He just split it”
The focus now shifts to the Belgians’ three-way battle. Van Aert wants to take the lead. Sweeck and Nys follow in this ranking.
Van Aert and Nys caught up with Sweeck. Will it come to a 3-man sprint?
End of round 6
Van der Poel hears the bell for the final round. Behind the Dutchman they slow down for a moment for a dazzling final chord.
All three are heading to the final round. It will be very exciting for 2nd place.
Sweeck has the flags. Nys revs up and rushes in front of him, Van Aert approaches.
He did not remain blameless: Van der Poel slipped in a corner and hit his shoulder against a post. It rests against the canvas. Does the slipper wake him up again?
For 2nd and 3rd place, everything is on a handkerchief. There is tension with Nys advancing towards Sweeck and Van Aert also hanging on the stretcher.
Tout en 1 image : 1. Van der Poel, 2. Sweeck, 3. Nys, 4. Van Aert
Does Sweeck feel that the atmosphere is gradually getting closer? It looks like it’s swollen a little. Nys and Van Aert are breathing down his neck more and more.
Exact cross
