Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) was once again the dominant rider today at the latest UCI World Cup race in Gavere. The world champion made it four wins from four in this, shortened, cyclocross campaign, after topping the podium from Wout van Aert (Jumbo Visma) and Tom Pidcock (Ineos Grenadiers).
And though van der Poel's winning margin over runner-up Van Aert was not huge, at 36 seconds, he was in a class of his own today; pressing ahead solo at the front on the first lap of seven and never looking back.
Pidcock had to battle his way though the field, from 26th place, to challenge for a place on the podium. The British rider won that scrap after getting the better of Joris Nieuwenhuis (Baloise Trek), though he still finished 58 seconds down on Van der Poel.
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However, Van der Poel faced some challenges up front, including when he began passing lapped riders in the first half of the race.
Felipe Nystrom of Costa Rica appeared to be interacting with some spectators he was passing and when he moved to his right and he was into the path of van der Poel who was charging through. The Dutch rider gave Nystrom a shove to make sure he was out of his way.
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Irish champion Dean Harvey (Trinity Racing) was also in the field and placed 52nd of of the 77 starters in the elite men's race.
Van der Poel é nada gentil rs #CXWorldCup pic.twitter.com/ztR8N8sKG4
— O País Do Ciclismo (@opaisdociclismo) December 26, 2023
Altro show di van der Poel tra sbandate e testate! Van Aert e Pidcock ko: rivivi la gara in 5'#Cyclocross #VanderPoel #VanAert #Pidcock #Gavere pic.twitter.com/Mjf3Gthd3Y
— Eurosport IT (@Eurosport_IT) December 26, 2023
