Van der Poel Rides Lap 1 Attack to Easy Win at Superprestige Ruddervoorde – Report, Results

If the Elite Women’s race at Superprestige Ruddervoorde was defined by patience, the Elite Men’s race was the complete opposite.

In recent weeks, Mathieu van der Poel (Corendon – Circus) has waited a few laps before attacking and going solo for the win. On Sunday, he waited less than a lap.

After Quinten Hermans (Telenet Fidea Lions) took the holeshot and led the first half of the first lap, Van der Poel jumped out of the saddle and accelerated around him to take over the first position.

Quinten Hermans led at the start of the race. 2018 Superprestige Ruddervoorde. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine

Using the opposite plan as Vos, Van der Poel stayed on the gas and dropped Hermans, Wout van Aert (Cibel – Cebon Offroad Team) and the others trying to keep his pace.

Mathieu van der Poel solos to another win. 2018 Superprestige Ruddervoorde. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine

After one lap Van der Poel’s lead was five seconds. After two, it was up to 12. Midway through the race it was up over a minute. There would be zero waiting for Van der Poel in Ruddervoorde.

Mathieu van der Poel wins again in Ruddervoorde. 2018 Superprestige Ruddervoorde. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine

The race of interest on Sunday was the one for second. Van Aert and the others were unable to keep pace with Van der Poel’s big move, and they quickly settled into racing for the silver. At times the group swelled to over 10, but Van Aert and Toon Aerts (Telenet Fidea Lions) were usually at the front.

Their work eventually paid off, and the day ended with another Van der Poel, Van Aert, Aerts podium.

Men’s podium: Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert and Toon Aerts. 2018 Superprestige Ruddervoorde. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine

Full results are below.

Elite Men's Results: 2018 Superprestige Ruddervoorde