The seventh round of the Cyclo-cross World Cup took place in Gavere, Belgium, on Friday.
In the women’s race, Lucinda Brand (Baloise Glowi Lions) once again claimed a solo victory. The Dutch rider finished 15 seconds clear of France’s Amandine Fouquenet (Arkéa–B&B Hotels Women) in a race that was marked by several early crashes. The podium was completed by another Dutch rider, Puck Pieterse (Alpecin–Deceuninck), who crossed the line 19 seconds behind Brand.
On the Luxembourgish front, sisters Layla and Maïté Barthels finished in 46th and 48th place respectively, both more than six minutes from the winner.
In the men’s race, Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin–Deceuninck) proved just as dominant as Brand in the women’s field. The Dutchman secured his fourth consecutive World Cup victory.
Belgium’s Thibau Nys (Baloise Glowi Lions) was able to match him for much of the race, but van der Poel made his decisive move two laps from the finish and went on to win by 21 seconds. Another Dutch rider, Tibor del Grosso (Alpecin–Deceuninck), completed the podium in third, 23 seconds adrift.
Women’s rankingsLucinda Brand (Baloise Glowi Lions) – 48:26Amandine Fouquenet (Arkéa – B&B Hotels Women) +0:15Puck Pieterse (Alpecin–Deceuninck) +0:19Blanka Vas (Team SD Worx–Protime) +0:38Aniek van Alphen (Seven Racing) +0:49
…
Layla Barthels (Cycling Team Atertdaul) +6:17Maïté Barthels (Cycling Team Atertdaul) +6:31Men’s rankingsMathieu van der Poel (Alpecin–Deceuninck) 1:03:15Thibau Nys (Baloise Glowi Lions) +0:21Tibor Del Grosso (Alpecin–Deceuninck) +0:23Toon Aerts (Deschacht–Hens CX Team) +0:23Emiel Verstrynge (Crelan–Corendon) +0:23