Michael Vanthourenhout is currently dominating the Superprestige cyclocross series. The Belgian rider from Pauwels Sauzen-Altez Industriebouw also won the second round of the consistency competition in Overijse on Sunday, but was pushed to the very limit in the final by Pim Ronhaar. The Dutchman fought hard but ultimately finished second.
The opening races in Meulebeke, Ardooie, Essen, and Ruddervoorde all took place on very fast circuits, with lots of twists and turns. This guaranteed plenty of cyclocross action and thrilling conclusions, but true cyclocross and cyclocross fanatics were perhaps left wanting more. However, for fans of tough (muddy) races, there was good news: Overijse – the 'Mother of all cyclocross races' – was on the schedule.
After all the fast races in recent weeks, Sunday was the day for the power riders. With the season still so young, there was no clear favorite beforehand, but with Toon Aerts, Michael Vanthourenhout (last year's winner), Joris Nieuwenhuis, Emiel Verstrynge, and Niels Vandeputte at the start, there were plenty of contenders in the mix.
A disastrous start for favorite Aerts
All eyes were on Aerts before the start, but the Deschacht-Hens-CX Team rider had a start he’d soon want to forget. Due to chain problems, the Belgian quickly had to dismount and continue on foot and bike as he made his way to the pit area. Aerts could forget about a good placing – let alone the victory – but he was certainly not the only rider facing issues.
Michael Vanthourenhout also got off to a slow start and was forced to chase from very early on, but unlike Aerts, the leader of Pauwels Sauzen-Altez Industriebouw was far from out of contention for the win. Vanthourenhout managed to fight his way back up quickly. After five of nine laps, he found himself in a leading group of six riders.
Ronhaar presses the pace, Vanthourenhout stays with him
Led by a very eager and especially strong Pim Ronhaar, an elite group remained: alongside Ronhaar and Vanthourenhout were Joris Nieuwenhuis, Joran Wyseure, Jente Michels, Niels Vandeputte, and British champion Cameron Mason. The gaps to the first chasers (including Lars van der Haar) were still negligible. However, Ronhaar had no intention of letting the group come back together again and shook things up once more.
Only one rider proved capable of matching the relentless Dutchman’s pace. His name? Vanthourenhout. Nieuwenhuis sensed the danger and took the lead of the chasing group in hopes of closing the gap. However, Ridley rider Nieuwenhuis was unable to bridge the gap, setting the stage for a fascinating duel between Vanthourenhout and Ronhaar for the victory in Overijse.
Two out of two
Ronhaar was not afraid to take the initiative in the last two laps, while the shrewd Vanthourenhout took a more cautious approach. This proved the right tactic, as his acceleration in the final lap was too much for the somewhat spent Ronhaar. The latter didn’t give up easily but had to watch helplessly as Vanthourenhout steadily pulled away.
The West Flemish rider saw his moment to strike, made no mistakes, and secured his second consecutive Superprestige win, after also taking victory in the opening round at Ruddervoorde. Ronhaar crossed the line strong in second place, while Emiel Verstrynge held off his compatriots Vandeputte and Wyseure to claim the last podium spot.
Telenet Superprestige Overijse| Rank | Rider | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 01:00:45 | |
| 2 | + 07 | |
| 3 | + 13 | |
| 4 | + 15 | |
| 5 | + 17 | |
| 6 | + 18 | |
| 7 | + 19 | |
| 8 | + 29 | |
| 9 | + 35 | |
| 10 | + 41 |
