Toon Aerts washes away Belgian champs disappointment with win in Otegem
Toon Aerts has successfully defended his title at the Otegem cyclocross race. The European champion edged out Gerben Kuypers and Niels Vandeputte after an exciting race. Aerts also took this opportunity to redeem himself following a disappointing performance at the Belgian Championships in Beringen.
The day after the national championships, several cyclocross riders were already back in action, this time in West Flanders, Otegem. This informal cyclocross event is often seen as a second chance after the Belgian national championships and has produced memorable editions and winners in the past.
Although the newly crowned Belgian champion Thibau Nys was absent from Otegem, other top contenders like Michael Vanthourenhout, European champion Toon Aerts, Niels Vandeputte, and Lars van der Haar were present at the start.
Aerts takes control of the race
Aerts was undeterred by the rainy conditions and took off like a rocket. Led by the rider from Charles Liégeois-Deschacht, a leading group of eleven riders quickly formed, but they were evenly matched. A decisive breakaway was slow to materialize, although several attacks were launched.
With five laps to go, Aerts decided to push the pace once again, and this time, the European champion succeeded in breaking up the lead group. A vigilant Kuypers initially kept up, but eventually had to let the unleashed Aerts go. While Aerts gained about ten seconds, Kuypers was joined by his Alpecin-Premier Tech teammates Jente Michels and Niels Vandeputte.
Exciting final phase
Kuypers’ chances seemed over after the fifth lap, but appearances were deceiving, as the Pauwels Sauzen-Altez Industriebouw rider found a second wind. He managed to catch back onto Aerts’ wheel; with two laps remaining, everything was set for a thrilling duel. As they entered the final lap, Vandeputte also surged dangerously close.
However, Aerts did not allow himself to be caught by either Vandeputte or Kuypers. With a sharp acceleration in the last lap, he shook off the two compatriots and did not see them again until after the finish line. The 32-year-old rider thus defended his spot on the winners' list, having also been the strongest rider in Otegem last year. Kuypers finished second, with Vandeputte crossing the line third.
