Wout van Aert has won the World Cup of Overijse in an unmistakable way. With that victory, the Belgian champion also secured the general classification in the World Cup. The Team Jumbo-Visma rider recorded his fifth win of the season.
The expected battle between Van der Poel and Van Aert also seemed to come. Halfway through the first lap, the two had already created a big gap to the rest of the field. Due to a flat tire from the world champion, Van Aert was able to quickly take a big lead. Van de Poel came very close, but the three-time winner of the World Cup continued to expand his lead in the last laps.
“I was really looking forward to it. In the first two laps I immediately set a high pace”, says Van Aert. “Then Mathieu took over to slow down the pace. However, I didn’t want to. I had a big gap because of his flat tire, but then I crashed. It was a tough cross where the incidents were decisive. Mathieu kept pushing, so I was never really comfortable. Only towards the end did I get a little more space. It was especially pleasant to be leader instead of the chaser. This victory makes me very happy.”
Van Aert, who extended his contract with Team Jumbo-Visma this week, looked ahead to the World Championships that is scheduled for next Sunday in the sand of Ostend. “I don’t think I’m the outspoken favourite. Mathieu has already booked more victories. I am happy with the way I can go to the World Championships, but in principle he has more advantages.”
