Wout van Aert has taken his first victory since the Koppenbergcross on November 1. Twenty minutes before the end of the Superprestige race in Spa-Francorchamps, the 21-year-old world champion dropped his rival Mathieu van der Poel whose string of victories in the series was broken as he had to settle for second. European champion Toon Aerts finished third.

As usual, Tom Meeusen took the lead in the opening lap but European Champion Toon Aerts soon passed him. The 'Big Two' Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert followed him together with Mathieu’s brother David van der Poel, Tom Meeusen and Klaas Vantornout at the second passage of the legendary Raidillon.

Mathieu van der Poel could not hold back any longer and after only half a lap, he made an explosive acceleration. His great rival, Van Aert, slid out in a slippery curve and started the next lap eight seconds behind the young Dutchman.

Van Aert was forced to chase, but thanks to an impressive passage of 'the Wall', a heavy uphill running section, the world champion made it back. Van der Poel slowed down immediately and this allowed Aerts to rejoin the duo.

The world champion continued to impress during the next laps and on the famous Wall. About twenty minutes before the end, it was finally too much for his breakaway companions. Both Van der Poel and Aerts started to lose ground on the climb. With three laps to go, Van Aert had a lead of 10 seconds.

In the final part of the race, Van der Poel quickly realized that it was impossible to get back to a strong Van Aert. He eventually lost half a minute to the world champion who didn’t raise his arms in celebration.

Aerts completed the podium.

With the win, Van Aert reduced his deficit in the overall standings to 3 points. The next round will be held in Diegem on December 23.

Result

1. Wout Van Aert 1.00.43

2. Mathieu van der Poel +0.32

3. Toon Aerts +0.35

4. Kevin Pauwels +1.25

5. Laurens Sweeck +1.32

6. Tom Meeusen +1.38

7. Jens Adams +1.40

8. Philipp Walsleben +1.53

9. Klaas Vantornout +2.19

10. Stephen Hyde +2.30

Overall standings

1. Mathieu van der Poel 74

2. Wout Van Aert 71

3. Laurens Sweeck 62

4. Jens Adams 49

5. Toon Aerts 47

6. Klaas Vantornout 46

7. Kevin Pauwels 45

8. David van der Poel 35

9. Tom Meeusen 32

10. Tim Merlier 21