The first ever elite Men’s European cyclo-cross championships turned into a thrilling battle between pre-race favourites Lars van der Haar (Netherlands) and Wout Van Aert (Belgium). Van der Haar kept his cool and won the battle, reaching the finish with a small lead on Van Aert.
Due to an early flat Kevin Pauwels (Belgium) had to chase for most of the race. He was never in contention for the victory but took the bronze medal.
Van der Haar clearly couldn’t believe he had just beaten Van Aert to take the first ever elite men’s European title on home soil when he crossed the finish line.
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“I still can’t believe it. It has to sink in,” Van der Haar told Telenet Play Sports. “Honestly, I have to admit that I figured it was over when Wout was gone. I somewhat gave up on it. I did hope that with one mistake from him that I could come back.”
That moment occurred during the sixth of nine laps in the race. Van der Haar was unable to keep up with Van Aert when the Belgian accelerated in the second half of the circuit. The race seemed to be over but surprisingly the young Belgian began to struggle one lap later. Van der Haar bridged back up and they began the final lap together. Van der Haar attacked first and he was able to reach a steep sand section with enough of a bonus to take the first European title.
“It was quite obvious that Wout was better on the run-dune section. I felt that I was better at the other side of the course in the technical section,” Van der Haar explained.
You can read more at Cyclingnews.com
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