In football it’s always about Messi versus Ronaldo. Cycling has its own battle between Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel. Both compete on the road and in the cyclocross. Wout van Aert has won the Zilvermeercross. After an exciting cross, Van Aert drove away from Mathieu van der Poel in the last twenty minutes, who finished second. Tom Pidcock finished third. All big names were present in Mol on Friday.

Group of five gets away

In this way, Van Aert, Pidcock, Van der Poel, Sweeck and Quinten Hermans took the lead after three laps. The five seemed evenly matched, especially after Hermans delivered a serious jab in the fourth round and the rest drove on a gap. Pidcock and Sweeck were then the first to pass, while Van Aert and Van de Poel slowly but surely joined Hermans, who was leading. After 25 minutes it was Van Aert who finally took over and took Van der Poel with him. For the first time this season, the two rivals fought a duel against each other. Who was the better, remained unclear for a long time. Meanwhile, Sweeck took over third position from Hermans. Later on Pidcock claimed the third spot in the race.

Van Aert takes the lead in Zilvermeercross

After forty minutes of cross, the decision was made. After a razor-sharp attack by Van Aert, the spring broke at Van der Poel, who had to give way to Van Aert in the last rounds. Eight seconds became twelve seconds, twelve seconds became 22 seconds, and 22 seconds eventually became 46 seconds. Van Aert thus booked his second victory of the season. The Jumbo-Visma rider previously won the World Cup in Dublin. A rematch between Van der Poel and Van Aert is not long in coming; On Monday both riders will ride in Gavere.