Superprestige Niel: Laurens Sweeck powers past Niels Vandeputte at the line for first victory of the season

Laurens Sweeck (Crelan-Corendon) accelerated around Niels Vandeputte (Alpecin-Deceuninck Development) just before the line to win Superprestige Niel by less than half a wheel. Series leader Michael Vanthourenhout (Pauwels Sauzen-Altez Industriebouw) disconnected from the pair on the final corners before the tarmac and settled for third, 13 seconds back..

Sweeck earned his first ‘cross victory of the season, moving his career total to 43, applying the pressure throughout the race as the trio of Belgians worked their way to the front after three laps. Sweeck’s teammate Emiel Verstrynge faded in his effort to make a firm catch and finished fourth, 24 seconds back.

Last year Vanthourenhout won the Superprestige overall with consistent performances, not taking a victory in any of the eight races. He won the opening two rounds this year, and with third place on Tuesday he now holds a four-point advantage over Vandeputte.

Leaves littered the wooded sections of the Jaarmarktcross course and even though the track was dry, the early laps saw multiple riders slip and slide on the punchy climbs as much as in the sand section. Joris Nieuwenhuis (Ridley Racing) and Sweeck set the pace at the front with no significant gaps after two laps.