Mathieu van der Poel (Beobank-Corendon) won the cyclo-cross race in Asper-Gavere. The Dutch champion delivered a show and arrived as a solo winner. It was his fourth win in a row in the Superprestige series. Wout Van Aert had another problem with his chain and finished second. Jaarmarktcross winner Toon Aerts completed the podium.

Another battle between the two leading riders was expected. World champion Wout Van Aert was keen to stop the series of his great rival and the rest were set to fight for third place. The two top split the race quickly. After two laps, van der Poel accelerated. Van Aert tried to follow him together with Tom Meeusen. However, the latter was soon dropped.

A new duel between the two arch-rivals was in the making, but the chain of the world champion (again) decided otherwise. Van Aert was set back and van der Poel continued. The Dutchman quickly saw his advantage go out to half a minute and the race seemed to be decided at the halfway point.

In the background, Van Aert passed Meeusen, Toon Aerts and Kevin Pauwels. The world champion was again alone in second place, but the battle was long. He stayed more than half a minute behind but he stayed committed in the last laps. Meanwhile, Meeusen had to deal with a mechanical, a pity for the Telenet-Fidea rider as he seemed to bE the the most likely candidate for the third podium spot.

Toon Aerts benefited most from the misfortune of Meeusen. He did his best behind the untouchable duo and rode smoothly to third place. In front, van der Poel had no problems, except for one moment when he briefly slipped outr. His lead continued to hover around 45 seconds even though it would go out to one minute at the finish.

The Dutchman arrived solo and took an impressive number victory in Asper-Gavere. After four rounds, he has maximum points in the Superprestige series. Van Aert was disappointed in second place while European champion Aerts took third.

The next race in the series will be held in Spa on December 3.

Result

1. Mathieu van der Poel

2. Wout van Aert

3. Toon Aerts

4. Klaas Vantornout

5. Laurens Sweeck

6. Kevin Pauwels

7. Tom Meeusen

8. David van der Poel

9. Jens Adams

10. Philip Walsleben

Overall standings

1. Mathieu van der Poel 60

2. Wout van Aert 56

3. Laurens Sweeck 50

4. Jens Adams 40

5. Klaas Vantornout 40

6. Toon Aerts 34

7. Kevin Pauwels 33

8. David van der Poel 31

9. Tom Meeusen 22

10. Tim Merlier 21