Belgian Wout Van Aert (Visma Bike Rent) was the star The brightest in Benidorm He took a stunning victory in the penultimate event of the Cyclocross World Cup, beating the top experts in a thoroughly exciting and controversial race to eliminate big favorite Mathieu Van der Poel of the Netherlands. a drop that dropped him to fifth place.
There was no break a busy racing hour This intensified the essence of cycling. From the first meter to the last meter, the show unfolded in Benidorm’s El Moralet and Foietes parks, which offered the best of winter sun to illuminate the cycling stars.
Wout Van Aert (Herentals, 29 years old), three-time world champion in Specialty, returned with honor to the top of the podium in 2023, taking revenge on Mathieu Van der Poel for the defeat he suffered against his rival since his youth.
This time Visma cyclist took advantage of his mortal enemy’s misfortunes Embracing victory without serious heart problems as he stumbles and falls over the final hurdle. Excited, he stood up and crossed the finish line alone, with just over an hour to go and 3 seconds ahead of compatriot Michael Vanthourenhout, the European champion.
Another Belgian closed the podium. Thibau Nys crossing the line with the leader and Eli Iserbyt, the virtual winner of the World Cup. Troubled but never sinking, Mathieu Van der Poel was fifth, 12 seconds behind. It wasn’t a lucky day for the five-time universal cyclocross and road world champion in 2023, as he was initially thwarted by a fall and eventually thwarted by a fall.
Still, Van der Poel’s show was magnificent; He gained positions in the first rounds until he reached Van Aert’s group, attacked his opponents, and was eliminated only in the last lap, falling into an area with plenty of sand.
Felipe Orts achieved his goals in eighth place
Six-time Spanish champion Felipe Orts, who has had a tremendous career in terms of his development and participant potential, managed not only to break into the top 10, but also to improve on last year’s ninth place. The cyclist from La Vila Joiosa is in eighth place, 21 seconds behind the winner. It unleashed the enthusiasm of more than 17,000 spectators who packed its route to Benidorm.
An unforgettable race was witnessed in the “town of skyscrapers”, vibrating with both the visit of the world’s best cyclists and the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest Benidorm Festival. The “three tenors” of cyclocross put on a great concert, but they are not alone.
Together with Van Aert, Van der Poel, the Englishman Tom Pidcock, Iserbyt and Vanthourenhout, the Belgian legion fought for copper without sparing its forces. The challenge was all or nothing on a technical course full of bends, staircases and other obstacles.
It is true that Van Aert took the reins when he saw Van der Poel’s initial mechanical difficulties, but the Belgian took on the responsibility of fending off the beast. The chosen detachment was led by Pidcock’s ally who had come to dominate, but his class and intelligence were crucial.
This was a great opportunity for him and he had to take advantage of it. Moreover, luck had favored him. Van der Poel put his foot down, lost 20 seconds and conceded his 11th victory in 11 races. Van Aert saw the clear sky. He attacked Vanthourenhout and was left alone. But not everything was done with just 400 meters to go before the finish line.
Van Aert walked over the last two obstacles to avoid any obstacles, but fell while trying to cycle. Danger. He immediately stood up, pushed and reached the finish line, fulfilling his dream. More than a victory. He beat van der Poel. Double victory.