Van Aert wins in Heusden-Zolder after superb battle
Wout van Aert has won the Superprestige of Heusden-Zolder. The Belgian champion won a fierce battle with Mathieu van der Poel in the last few metres. The two rode the entire cross in front, which made for an intense duel.
Van Aert had an excellent start. Van der Poel showed how much he wanted to win by accelerating on the first lap. Van Aert jumped on the Dutchman's wheel almost immediately. The two then rode the entire cross in the lead before Van Aert managed to take revenge in the sprint. It meant the third win of the cyclocross season for Van Aert.
"We've always been racing like this"
"It was nerve-wracking", Van Aert said. "On the first lap of the race, Mathieu took the lead. Then we rode together in front for the rest of the race, but we felt like we couldn't get rid of one another. I meant for it to be a long sprint. Mathieu put me under pressure more than once, but I could stay calm and not make any mistakes today. We've always been racing like this. They are always exciting duels."
