In the finishing straight at the Superprestige race in Zonhovem, Kevin Pauwels was ready to sprint but felt visibly hampered when Rob Peeters shut the door. "Peeters did close the door professionally, yes," said Pauwels afterwards. "Whether I'm going to file a complaint? No, the gap was very narrow," admitted an honest Pauwels. "I hit the front wheel of Pauwels with my ankle, but I guess I just rode a straight line," Peeters told Play Sports

Play Sports wanted to know whether Pauwels would make an official protest. "No, the gap that I wanted to pass through was very narrow. Peeters closed the door professionally . I do not think the jury can do anything about it. In the end I'm happy with third place because Wout Van Aert was again stronger today."

Rob Peeters was happy with second place and did not think he made a mistake with Kevin Pauwels. "Whether I closed the door for Kevin? No idea. I felt his front wheel touch my foot, but I actually think I rode a straight line. The gap where he wanted to pass was of course already very small. I could not do it much different."

Lars van der Haar rode a good race, but finally had to let Van Aert go at the halfway point.The Dutchman looked for a long time to be on the way to a podium finish, but eventually crashed in the final lap. "That crash may have cost me the podium, but I'm not sure that I would have kept Rob Peeters and Sven Nys at bay. Actually, I was absolutely shattered, and it was not as good as last week. Still, I tried to go with Wout a few more times  It worked once, twice, but finally I had to let him ride away."