Thibau Nys picks up his first win of the season

The Druivencross in Overijse is known as the ‘Mother of all crosses’ and it once again lived up to its name today. Thibau Nys (Baloise-Trek) came out on top after a tough duel with Belgian champion Eli Iserbyt (Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal). Lars van der Haar, Nys’ teammate, completed the podium.

The riders got off to a very good start and this was reflected in the course of the race. Until the end of the second round, the field remained together and the race seemed locked. European champion Michael Vanthourenhout (Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal) was the first to make his move, swiftly opening up a gap. A lap later, the gap was closed by an alert Thibau Nys (Baloise-Trek). On the fifth lap, the leading group had now somewhat expanded containing Thibau Nys, Michael Vanthourenhout, Eli Iserbyt, David Haverdings (Baloise-Trek), Niels Vandeputte (Alpecin-Deceuninck), Lars van der Haar and Jente Michels (Alpecin-Deceuninck).

Three laps from the end, it was Eli Iserbyt’s turn to attack. The Belgian champion pushed hard and the young Nys was the only one who could follow. The two built up a small lead of 10 seconds over the chasing duo, Niels Vandeputte and Lars van der Haar. This pair was able to reduce the gap to 3 seconds just before the riders entered the final lap.

The final lap was certainly not short on spectacle. Iserbyt picked up the tempo, hoping to open a gap. Once again, Thibau Nys latched onto the defending champion’s wheel and then took it upon himself to set the pace. The young Belgian swept past and claimed his first win of the season.

In the general classification, Joran Wyseure (Crelan-Corendon) remains in the lead with 26 points, ahead of Niels Vandeputte and Lars van der Haar.