Gieten Gallery: Van der Poel claims Superprestige opener

Oct 03, 2016

Dutch 'cross fans aplenty turned out to enjoy the lakeside action at Superprestige Gieten Sunday. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Mathieu van der Poel, appearing in his first race of the season, applied pressure early to line out the field. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Telenet – Fidea had a strong presence at the front early in the race. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

It didn't take long for reigning world champion Wout Van Aert and 2015 champ van der Poel to establish themselves as the riders to beat. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

The sand would prove a critical obstacle. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

The two young stars treated fans to a neck-and-neck showdown that came all the way down to the final few hundred meters of the race. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Laurens Sweeck couldn't hang with the two riders up front, but he did make a valiant effort pursuing a podium spot. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Van der Poel and Van Aert were deadlocked as they dismounted for the final stretch of sand on the final lap, but van der Poel pulled away when Van Aert dropped his chain while remounting. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

An elated van der Poel was enthusiastic in his celebration of the victory. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Van Aert was forced to settle for second. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Sweeck seemed content with his third-place finish. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Van der Poel's victory is his first of the year. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

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Tags: Cyclocross Gallery Superprestige-Gieten

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