The ground had defrosted for the second day of the World Championships in Bieles, Luxembourg. The resulting mud and soft ground/hard surface edges played a critical part in the outcome of the race.
That off-camber… 😮 #bieles2017 pic.twitter.com/FTzYD8t0pv
— UCI Cyclocross (@UCI_CX) January 29, 2017
Despite three flats, 2015 Champion Van der Pol was out in front looking fairly comfortable, with Van Aert chasing him down. Until that point the commentators seemed to have little excitement to discuss other than Van Aert’s green tyres. Were they old Michelins or new FMBs?
With Van Aert making the catch, the race looked to be on. A game of cat and mouse began, but was cut short as Van der Pol had his fourth flat of the race. Van Aert applied additional pressure, putting in the fastest lap of the race, and from there it was just a case of getting to the line in one piece.
Men Elite Podium 🌈
🥇@WoutvanAert 🇧🇪
2- @mathieuvdpoel 🇳🇱
3- @ktpauwels 🇧🇪#Bieles2017 pic.twitter.com/Dp5Mwboedx— UCI Cyclocross (@UCI_CX) January 29, 2017
Earlier in the day, the U23 Men’s race was dominated by Dutch rider Joris Nieuwenhuis, who led for the whole race. Closer fought were the second and third places. Spaniard Felipe Orts Lloret took the silver (Spain’s 4th ever Cx worlds medal) with Sieben Wouters from the Netherlands taking bronze, just and so beating Belgians Aerts and Cleppe to the line.
Men U23 Podium 🌈
🥇@jorisnieuwenhui 🇳🇱
2- @felipeorts15 🇪🇸
3- @siebenwouters 🇳🇱#Bieles2017 pic.twitter.com/1fRVe6fhEu— UCI Cyclocross (@UCI_CX) January 29, 2017
To watch the U23 Men’s race click here:
To watch the Elite Men’s race click here:
