Niels Vandeputte of Alpecin-Decueninck emerged victorious at the Hamme round of the X2O Trofee after an intense final lap battle with Belgian champion Eli Iserbyt of Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal.
Despite a crash earlier in the race, Iserbyt managed to catch up and took the lead in a five-rider group with Vandeputte, Spanish champion Felipe Orts of La Vila Joiosa-Neteo, European champion Thibau Nys of Baloise Trek Lions, and European champion Michael Vanthourenhout of Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal.
Vandeputte strategically overtook Iserbyt in the limited passing opportunities on the course and secured the Flandiencross victory.
In a post-race interview, Vandeputte expressed the significance of the win and credited his team for their support.
Orts claimed third place and Nys finished 14th after a crash in the final lap. Vandeputte showcased his strength by leading from the front early in the race and maintaining his position throughout.
Vandeputte’s victory also had an impact on the X2O Trofee series standings, with van der Haar maintaining a narrow lead over Iserbyt.
Results
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