The fierce weather conditions in Dendermonde made for a real battle of attrition in the mud. Van Empel had a good start, but a difficult opening lap. Nevertheless, the Dutch rider gradually made her way to the top three. On the penultimate lap, she managed to join  Pieterse, who was riding in second place at the time. Meanwhile, Brand was riding comfortably in the lead.  

Van Empel and Pieterse then seemed set to battle for second place, but entering the final lap, the world champion suffered two punctures. Van Empel eventually finished third.  

“I had a good start”, Van Empel said afterwards. “I dived into the field first, but then I dropped off a bit. I didn't feel quite fresh, but I did not panic. I focused on my own race. It's a pity that I punctured just as I made the connection with Pieterse. A little later I had another puncture. That was annoying, but I don't know if there was much more in it for me today.”