Van der Poel wins in Gavere for the fourth consecutive year

Mathieu van der Poel remains flawless in the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup. After victories in Namur, Antwerp and Koksijde, the world champion also triumphed in Gavere. On a fast course, he stayed in the background until three laps from the finish, before dealing decisively with Thibau Nys.

There was no holeshot as a Christmas present for Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin–Deceuninck). Starting from the first row in Gavere, the world champion initially had to allow around ten riders to go ahead of him in the opening phase. The best start came from Thibau Nys (Baloise Glowi Lions). Behind him, a five-man lead group formed with Emiel Verstrynge (Crelan–Corendon), Michael Vanthourenhout (Pauwels Sauzen – Altez Industriebouw CT) and Tibor Del Grosso (Alpecin–Deceuninck). The fifth man? Mathieu van der Poel. The world champion moved up rapidly and survived the first selection.

Within the lead group, there was even room for some light-hearted moments from Del Grosso, and after three laps the group had grown to seven riders. Mees Hendrikx (Heizomat – Cube) and Toon Aerts (Deschacht–Hens CX Team) managed to bridge across. The lead changed hands frequently during the first half of the race, but making a decisive move proved difficult on the fast Gavere circuit.

In the fourth lap, Nys felt it was time to make a move for the first time. On the long climb towards the castle, he blew the lead group apart. Only Verstrynge and Van der Poel were able to hold the wheel of the Belgian champion. Feeling clearly at ease on Boxing Day, Nys launched acceleration after acceleration. Realising he could not yet shake his rivals, he eased off slightly, allowing the lead group to grow once more.

Van der Poel stayed in the shadows for most of the race, until three laps from the finish. At the start of the long climb to the castle, Nys made a crucial steering error, after which Van der Poel launched a powerful uphill attack. The world champion immediately opened a 12-second gap and gradually extended it. Thanks to his attacking riding, Nys secured second place, while the final spot on the podium ultimately went to Tibor Del Grosso.