Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) has been undefeated during his cyclo-cross season, claiming a ninth consecutive victory after a flawless performance at the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup in freezing conditions in Zonhoven, Belgium, on Sunday.
“It was not the plan, but I just had a really good start. I wanted to do one hour of my own thing, especially in these circumstances. Before going back to Spain, it was nice to go one hour full gas,” Van der Poel said, also noting that he did not need to panic after a flat tire saw him take a new bike mid-race.
How it unfolded
The field lined up under freezing conditions and through hard-packed snow for the ninth round of the 12-race UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup in Zonhoven, Belgium without the rankings leader Laurens Sweeck who is recovering from injuries sustained in a crash at the X20 Trofee event in Loenhout last week.
Van der Poel led the field into the circuit navigating the unyielding lines through the frozen mud and sand pit and up the flyover in a flawless display of strength and skill on the opening lap.
European Champion Toon Aerts (Deschacht-Hens CX Team) was quick to follow but was unable to completely close the gap to the…
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