In Ruddervoorde, Mathieu van der Poel won his third race out of three in the Superprestige seies. The Dutchman took full advantage of a bike change of Wout Van Aert to make the decision. "I know that some people do not find that fair. But initially I was not aware of it.”

Van der Poel: I know that some people don’t find it fair

For Mathieu van der Poel, the win in Ruddervoorde was a real relief after his off day on the Koppenberg. 

"This felt great," confirmed the Dutch champion in an interview with Het Nieuwsblad. "It was also a coure that is tailor-made for me. After the Koppenberg, I’ve never slept as much as I did in these three days. That was the right decision.”

The decision came when Van der Poel took advantage of a bike change of Van Aert. The world champion never managed to close the gap. 

"I had actually not seen it," said Van der Poel. "Only when I saw the gap, I knew I had to continue. I know that some people do not find it fair, I know. But initially I was not really aware of it. Of course it was his choice to switch, not mine ... And I had no doubt. '

"I still made still quite a lot of mistakes - too many for my taste - and had no super day. I have to blame myself for that. I very often ride on the limit and sometimes over it and I have to take responsibility for the crash."

Van Aert: It was my own fault

Van Aert had to let van der Poel go after a fatal bike change. 

"It was my own fault: I thought I would take a clean bike but lost more time than expected. I should never have done that. Mathieu was slightly faster and deserved to win.”

In the final lap, the world champion had to walk due to a technical problem. It was not the first time this season but the world champion was quick to take the blame. 

"I had with my pedal behind a safety bag hanging on a pole and so my chain came off. That can happen, but it was certainly not a technical error. It was just bad luck.  Th race was already over.  I had already given up since I did not get any closer.”

On Monday, Van Aert Monday will fly with girlfriend Sarah to Spain for a training camp. 

"It will make me good after a busy season," he said. "I can work quietly, with warm temperatures, and only need to think of cyclo-cross. On Saturday I will go back to Belgium and on Sunday I will ride in Gavere. I will skip the Jaarmarktcross in Niel (like Van der Poel, ed.).”

Sweeck:  One of the toughest editions

Laurens Sweeck was again third.

"I can live with that third place, I was the third best. I got a bit close but then they were looking at each other and I was there on the limit. It was one of the toughest editions. With all that sliding into the corners it was easy to make a mistake and that explains the big differences.”

Van der Haar forced to abandon race in Ruddervoorde

Lars van der Haar was forced to abandon the Superprestige Ruddervoorde today after suffering pain in his upper leg. Van der Haar was part of the chasing group but he was unable to finish the race, after feeling some pain in his upper leg.