Cycling: Mathieu van der Poel won the Tour of Flanders. The Dutch champion beat Belgian Wout van Aert on the home stretch. Julian Alaphilippe was unlucky. The Frenchman crashed into a support motorcycle.
Better late than never: The Tour of Flanders in October
Tour of Flanders in October! The 104th Ronde van Vlaanderen could take place today despite the corona pandemic. Perhaps the most interesting one-day race in the world started in Antwerp at 9:45 a.m. and ended in Oudenaarde after 243,3 kilometers. In between, there were 17 toxic climbs to be overcome with cobblestones - so-called Hellingen. The top favorites for the day's victory were the usual suspects, above all the two crossers Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin – Fenix) and wout van aert (Jumbo - Visma). But first, as usual, the escapees dominated the race. The Austrian Gregor Muehlberger (Bora – hansgrohe) formed together with Gijs van Hoecke (CCC), Samuele Battistella (NTT), Dimitri Peyskens (Bingoal – Wallonia), Danny van Poppel (Circus – Wanty) and Fabio Van Den Bossche (Sport Vlaanderen) immediately after the start the first breakaway group worth mentioning.
Trio Infernale: Alaphilippe, Van der Poel & Van Aert
After around 200 kilometers had been completed and the pros still had a little more than 40 kilometers to go, the breakaway group was caught. The top favorites got serious on the Koppenberg and Steenbeekdries passages. First the peloton was timidly attacked by Julian Alaphilippe (Elegant – Quick-Step) and Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin – Fenix) decimated. They finally got serious about the following Taaienberg. Together with wout van aert (Jumbo – Visma) the two broke up and from then on formed the new top trio. In the chasing group behind everyone was of course aware that they must not let these three world-class drivers go. But in addition to the skills and possibly also in addition to the daily form, what was lacking above all was the unity. Oliver naesen (AG2R La Mondiale) did not find the necessary support and lamented.
Alaphilippe crashes into escort motorcycle
Unfortunately, 35 kilometers before the finish, there was another fatal crash involving an escort motorcycle. This was on the right side of the road and should have just been overtaken by the leading trio when Julian Alaphilippe rides in the slipstream of his companions and doesn't see that motorcycle in time. With full force, the world champion crashed his right shoulder into the vehicle and fell. The race was over for the French. It is questionable, however, whether the blame lies solely with the driver of the motorcycle. wout van aert had a clear view and was able to see the obstacle seconds in advance. However, since he didn't give a sign to those behind him and only just passed, he was able to Mathieu van der Poel dodge at the last moment. Julian Alaphilippe finally failed.
Drama in the Round! Alaphilippe bangs on a motor in the blue sky #RVV20 pic.twitter.com/YsUHZO23I8
— Sporza 🚴 (@sporza_koers) October 18, 2020
Mathieu van der Poel plays poker and wins
Although the chasing group after the fall of Julian Alaphilippe harmonized a little better, she was no longer able to catch up with the top duo. With a lead of more than a minute at times, the two were even able to slow down and tactically over the last few kilometers. It turned out above all Mathieu van der Poel as clever. The Dutch champion played in first position for a long time and reacted perfectly to the first twitch of Wout van Aert. The Belgian tried to pass to the left, but he only managed to get to the same height - at least almost. Third place goes alexander kristoff (UAE). of Germany John Degenkolb (Lotto – Soudal) was ninth.
Van der Poel beats Van Aert in millimeter sprint in wint de Ronde van Vlaanderen #RVV20 pic.twitter.com/F6Ab2R4uqI
— Sporza 🚴 (@sporza_koers) October 18, 2020