This Sunday, Mathieu van der Poel won Antwerp’s cyclo-cross, counting for the UCI World Cup on December 4th. The Dutchman dominated the race, especially with two other “fantasys” Wout van Aert and world champion Tom Pidcock making his comeback. With two wins in two matches, van der Poel is marking his territory.

This meeting in Antwerp was eagerly awaited. For the first time since the start of the cyclo-cross season we have found the three leaders of this specialty together: Britain Tom PidcockReigning World Champion; Matthew van der Poel Its world-class predecessor; and champion of Belgium Wout van Aert On the trails again.

Last week’s winner at Hulst, The Dutch prodigy fell heavily the other day during the Boom Cyclo-Cross, which is considered a SuperPrestige challenge. 13th in the competition, so we wondered what his health was at the start in Antwerp. Raymond Poulidor’s grandson has clearly answered on the ground.

Van der Poel well remis de sa chute

Van der Poel (Alpecin-Deseuinink) clearly did not injure his knee or shoulder during the boom race, which was eventually won by Tom Pidcock (Ineos Grenadiers). Already successful in Kortrijk.

A day later, the Dutchman quickly gained the upper hand over Pidcock, who was never able to start after a failed start. Van Aert (Jumbo Wisma), who raced cyclocross for the first time this season, got off to a great start. But from the start of the second round, Van der Poel attacked and the Belgian champion gave way.

Behind this impressive solo rider, resigned rivals will have to fight for second place. Despite Van Aert’s lack of competition, it can get ahead of pure specialists like this one That is, the Serbs, Lawrence week Or the European champion Michael Vantourenhout. As for Pidcock, he sinks into this muddy ground he doesn’t like. The Englishman would thus finish eighth, 1’14 behind the Dutchman. Van der Poel won his second bouquet of the season in less than a week at Antwerp’s cyclo-cross.

Van Aert is pleased with his comeback

Van Aert, a triple world champion in 2016, 2017 and 2018, recognized the excellence of his eternal rival. ” When Mathieu attacked, he was very fast, so I realized I had to focus on second place. My pace during the run was pretty consistent, which was a good thing. Tried to manage while accelerating from there. This is a great start for me. »

French in women’s elite race Pauline Ferrand-Prevot, the 2022 quadruple mountain bike world champion, did not finish. The Dutch Fem Van Empel Easily imposed.

The UCI Cyclocross World Cup circuit moves to Dublin, Ireland next week. The Belgian boy Lawrence week Still at the top of the table thanks to a six-point lead over his compatriot Namely, iserbitSix rounds from the end.

Ranking of Antwerp Cyclo-cross

1. Mathieu van der Poel (Ned) Alpesin-Dezeunink 59m4s
2. Vout Van Aert (Bel) Jumbo-Wizma in 23 seconds
3. Michael Vanthurenhout (Bel) Powell’s Sous Bingol à 34 seconds
8. Tom Pidcock (GB) Ineos Grenadiers at 1.14

Samuel Leroux is the French champion of Beachrace for the third time

French Championship Beach Race This Sunday took place as part of the Open VTT de la Côte d’Opale with 350 participants. Berk-sur-Mer (Pas de Calais). Boulogneise Samuel Leroux Retains the title for the third time in a row (2019, 2021, 2022). A runner Go Sport – Roubaix Lille Metropolis Ranked 3rd overall behind two Belgians: Alex Coleman (Sport Vlaanderen Balois) etc Class van Tornout (Laeremans Cycling Team). On the podium of the French championship, Mathis Lowell (Arkéa-Samsic / 9th scratch) won the silver medal. Clement Trunet (EC Thierry Chateau / 10th Scratch) won the bronze medal. Samuel Leroux He will play for his European title in Dunkirk next Sunday.