The Superprestige series continues this Saturday in Boom, Belgium. Unlike most Superprestige races, this race is only a C2. It’s also a day before the World Cup round in Switzerland. Interestingly, this race was positioned before the Koksijde World Cup last year. As a result, we may see some top riders skip the race in favor of the World Cup.
Since this is the second race of the season, the standings are relatively obvious. Mathieu van der Poel leads the way with 15 points. Wout van Aert is second with 14 points and Toon Aerts is third with 13 points.
The course itself is very challenging. There’s a tough run up and plenty of punchy grass hills. There are also three sand sections and even some cobblestones. It’s a very twisty course as well. Overall, it truly has a bit of everything and usually the strong, power riders have a slight advantage.
Last year Mathieu van der Poel got out to his customary fast start and forced a selection. Wout van Aert and Kevin Pauwles were able to hang with him, while another group formed behind. While in the lead group, van der Poel crashed and ended up nearly 50 seconds off the lead heading into the fourth lap. Van Aert capitalized on this, riding off the front and winning by ten seconds over a hard charging Laurens Sweeck. Lars van der Haar was thrid, with van der Poel able to climb back to fourth.
Predictions
- Mathieu van der Poel
- Wout van Aert
- Toon Aerts
Dark horse: Marcel Meisen
