Sweeck celebrates after thriller in Diegem
Laurens Sweeck proved to be the strongest in the Telenet Superprestige race in Diegem. The Belgian fought an intense duel with Thibau Nys on the last lap. The European champion experienced problems with his pedal in the sprint and eventually finished third behind Niels Vandeputte.
Young Tibor Del Grosso (Alpecin-Deceuninck) was first into the field with the US champion Andrew Strohmeyer (CXD Trek Bikes) on his wheel. Thibau Nys (Baloise Trek Lions) did less well at the start. The Belgian got caught up in the chaos and found himself in 18th place. The European champion, however, radiated ambition. It did not take long before he was seen at the front.
On the third lap, a large peloton permitted Michael Vanthourenhout (Pauwels Sauzen - Bingoal) a small lead. In the chase, the riders were watching each other, until Del Grosso took the initiative. Going into the fourth lap, the young Dutchman had forced a regrouping.
Vanthourenhout, who appeared to be one of the strongest in the race at the time, suffered another broken shoe. The Belgian had to change footwear and dropped back several places. In the meantime, a leading group of four formed at the front: Nys, Del Grosso, Niels Vandeputte (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Laurens Sweeck (Crelan-Corendon).
Despite his mechanical problems, not much later, Vanthourenhout was able to rejoin the leading group. He brought with him Ryan Kamp (Fenix-Deceuninck) and Felipe Orts (Ridley Racing Team). A moment to catch their breath was not afforded them by Thibau Nys. The European champion was the next to accelerate. Only Sweeck and Vanthourenhout could match his pace.
Nys had to ease off briefly on the sixth lap, allowing a large group to regain contact with the leaders. Suddenly we had 10 leaders again, but not for long. After a falter by Vanthourenhout, Sweeck rode alone into the lead. Iserbyt (Pauwels Sauzen - Bingoal) tried to close the gap, but had to ask for support. Nys and Vandeputte eventually brought everyone back.
The final lap commenced with eight leaders, but again that did not last long. Vandeputte surged ahead with Sweeck on his wheel. Nys closed the gap after an impressive uphill burst. The European champion raced to the front and put pressure on his opponents. What followed was a cat and mouse game with Sweeck. The latter was the first to jump in the final straight and easily won the sprint to the finishing line. Nys had problems with his pedal and had to be content with third place after Niels Vandeputte.
