Mathieu van der Poel was close to another big win in the pro ranks in the Bpost Bank Trofee race in Hamme-Zogge. However, he came up short against fellow U23 rider Wout van Aert despite trying to play the team game with teammate Philipp Walsleben.

The Bpost Bank Trofee race turned out to be a battle between the youngster as Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel fought hard for the victory on the fast course in Belgium. In the end, van Aert emerged as the strongest when a fantastic sprint allowed him to pass his rivals just before the line.

Van der Poel had tried to play the team game as he had sent Philipp Walsleben on the attack, forcing van Aert into chase mode in the final lap.

"In the last lap, I tried to play tactically," the Dutchman told Sporza. "But the final stretch was just too long. It was a nice race and Wout eventually prevailed. I'm obviously a bit disappointed.

"With Philipp (Walsleben, ed), I tried to play the team game. Just as Van Aert had Jens Adams on the attack for several laps. But Wout was too strong and unfortunately he caught Walsleben."