Van der Haar crushes the opposition in Heusden-Zolder

With a demonstration of force, Lars van der Haar won the World Cup race in Heusden-Zolder. He spent almost the entire race as the lone leader of the race. Kevin Pauwels was second and almost secured himself the overall win in the World Cup.

There was no Sven Nys - who is taking a break from competition - or Klaas Vantornout - who is sick - at the start of the World Cup race in Heusden-Zolder but that didn't prevent the spectators from witnessing a beautiful and exciting race.

Before the race, it was already clear that only disaster could prevent Kevin Pauwels from winning the overall World Cup. With a tally of 300 points, he went into the race with a comfortable lead over second-placed Tom Meeusen who has scored 223 points.

One of the first to attack was Lars van der Haar. The Dutchman wanted the race to be a one-man show and got clear almost from the start. He built a lead of 17 seconds but after four laps, Pauwels decided to make an effort to get back to the lone leader. While the Dutch champion was able to maintain his pace, Pauwels was unable to get any closer and had to accept the superioty of van der Haar. Not even a chain problem could prevent the Dutchman from achieving his second World Cup victory of the season.

After seven laps, the battle for the first two positions was already over, but the fight for bronze was an exciting one. Julien Taramarcaz, David van der Poel, Corné van Kessel and Philipp Walsleben were all in contention while Tom Meeusen who had started the race in second overall, had a complete off day and was stuck in the middle of the pack. Ultimately, van Kessel made the difference and took the final spot on the podium.

Pauwels may have lost today's race but it will be virtually impossible for him not to win the overall World Cup. He now has 370 points while van der Haar is at 290. If the Dutchman wins the final World Cup race, he will score another 80 points. If Pauwels fails to pick up any points, they will be tied on points but van der Haar will take the win as he has won three races compared to Pauwels who has only triumphed twice. The final race takes place in Hoogerheide on January 25.

Result:

1. Lars van der Haar 1.08.10

2. Kevin Pauwels+0.45

3. Corne van Kessel +1.10

4. Julien Taramarcaz

5. Philipp Walsleben +1.26

6. David van der Poel +1.31

7. Gianni Vermeersch +1.33

8. Sacha Weber +1.34

9. Martin Bina

10. Jens Adams +1.39

Overall standings:

1. Kevin Pauwels 370

2. Lars van der Haar 290

3. Corne van Kessel 283

4. Philipp Walsleben 269

5. Tom Meeusen 257

6. Jens Adams 212

7. Rob Peeters 201

8. Gianni Vermeersch 190

9. Klaas Vantornout 185

10. Bart Wellens 180