Kevin Pauwels looked like the strongest rider in today's Superprestige race in Diegem but had to settle for second behind world champion Mathieu van der Poel.

"It was a shame," he told Sporza. "Maybe I would have had a better chance if I had stayed in front with Mathieu and we had kept going. Lars [van der Haar] came back. With three it is more difficult to take the win the victory.I thought at first I was the first to hit  he corner, but Mathieu braked a bit later. I did not expect that." 

Pauwels is satisfied with his condition.

"I feel very strong. It is just a pity that I didn't win the race. My condition is very good. I do not think I've ever been as good as I have been this weekend." 

In the Superprestige standings, Pauwels is now just three points behind Wout van Aert.

"Whether I have a chance to take the final victory will mainly depend on how good Wout is at that time. By then he has recovered from his illness. Until now I was never the best in the Superprestige, but that ranking has not entered my mind yet."

Pauwels is satisfied with his condition. "I feel very strong. Just a pity that I did not hold on to victory. My condition is very good. I do not think I've ever been as good as last weekend."