Belgian rider Wout Van Aert of Visma Bike Rent delivered a standout performance in Benidorm, grabbing a dramatic victory in the penultimate Cyclocross World Cup event. He outpaced the world’s best specialists in a race filled with tension and controversy, especially as it challenged the top favorite Mathieu van der Poel from the Netherlands. A late stumble seemed to shake the field, but Van Aert recovered quickly and crossed the line with composure as a statement victory.
There was no lull in the action; the hour of racing crackled with intensity. From the opening meter to the final sprint, the spectacle unfolded across Benidorm’s El Moralet and Foietes parks, where winter sun lit up the course and the riders showcased every trick and tactic in the book.
Wout Van Aert, a 29-year-old native of Herentals and three-time world champion in the specialty, returned to the top step in 2023 with a performance that underscored his resilience and skill. He avenged a recent loss to his long-time rival by seizing the win and reclaiming podium glory in dominant fashion.
This time, Van Aert leaned on his opponent’s misfortunes, seizing the moment as his rival found trouble late in the race. The Belgian rider claimed victory with clear authority, finishing just ahead of fellow Belgian Michael Vanthourenhout, the European champion, in a remarkable late surge. Vanthourenhout stood strong, while the chase among the rest of the podium fell into a tight battle for position, keeping the crowd on edge until the final meters.
Another Belgian rider closed the podium, with Thibau Nys joining the leaders as Eli Iserbyt hovered in the mix and Mathieu van der Poel fought back from a difficult start that left him well back in the field. The five-time world champion faced a day that began with misfortune and continued with misfortune, ultimately finishing fifth, about 12 seconds behind the winner. It was a tough, not ideal day for a rider entering a season filled with high expectations in both cyclocross and road racing.
Nevertheless, van der Poel’s showing remained memorable. He surged through early laps, found a way into Van Aert’s group, and launched an attack aimed at breaking his rivals. He remained in contention until the final lap, when a sandy section and a few tricky turns reshaped the outcome. The Dutch star delivered a fearless ride, selecting lines and maintaining pressure even as the finish drew near.
Felipe Orts achieved a commendable eighth place
Six-time Spanish champion Felipe Orts, who has progressed impressively and showcased his growing potential, not only cracked the top ten but also surpassed last year’s ninth-place finish. The rider from La Vila Joiosa came home in eighth, just 21 seconds behind the winner, an achievement that sparked excitement among the 17,000 spectators who lined the Benidorm route and created a festive, electric atmosphere.
The race turned the city into a pulsating arena inside the so-called “town of skyscrapers,” resonating with the visit from the world’s elite cyclists and the neighboring anticipation for the Benidorm Festival. The scene was alive with energy as fans cheered each strategic move and close contest, creating a memorable backdrop for the event.
Alongside Van Aert and van der Poel, the pool of contenders included Tom Pidcock of Britain, Eli Iserbyt from Belgium, and Michael Vanthourenhout, all pushing hard to claim a podium spot. The course, a challenging mix of tight bends, staircases, and demanding sections, demanded precision and guts from every rider, turning fixed plans into flexible, on-the-fly responses during the race’s twists and turns.
Van Aert seized the initiative when he sensed van der Poel facing early mechanical issues, but he did not overcommit. He chose a disciplined approach, holding a steady line, covering gaps, and preparing for a decisive move. Pidcock’s presence as a potential guide and pressure source underscored the race’s tactical depth, with knowledge and experience proving crucial in shaping the final outcome.
The moment of truth arrived as the laps wound down. Van Aert found a moment to press forward, building a lead and leaving Vanthourenhout to chase in isolation. Yet the finish still held surprises. With roughly 400 meters to go, the final push unfolded, and Van Aert dried the nerves as he navigated the last two obstacles with care, avoiding missteps that could cost him the win. He crossed the line first, a celebration not only of a title but of a performance that reflected his persistence and skill. The victory felt like more than a single triumph; it signaled a reaffirmation of his status and earned him well-deserved applause from the crowd and peers alike.