Sweeck wins after photo finish in Niel

Laurens Sweeck (Crelan – Corendon) was the fastest in a thrilling race. With a tire-width advantage, he beat Niels Vandeputte (Alpecin – Deceuninck). Michael Vanthourenhout (Pauwels Sauzen - Altez Industriebouw Cycling Team), leader of the Telenet Superprestige, finished third.

Laurens Sweeck, a three-time winner in Niel, was eager and got off to the fastest start. European champion Toon Aerts, on the other hand, completely missed his start and did not figure in the race thereafter. After the first lap, a group of about ten riders had formed, including Nieuwenhuis, Vandebosch, Vandeputte, and Vanthourenhout.

Nieuwenhuis, third in the standings, was eager and tried to attack in the second lap, but without success. Sweeck would not allow it and showcased his skill on “the Wall of Niel.” In the third lap, he, along with Vanthourenhout and Vandeputte, created the first gap.

(Continue reading below the photo)

Meanwhile, Jente Michels was giving everything to close the gap alone with the leading trio, while Nieuwenhuis suffered bad luck. A crash later in the race took him out of contention.

The pace of the trio Sweeck, Vanthourenhout, and Vandeputte fluctuated, allowing Michels to reconnect in the sixth lap. From the back, threats kept coming from Orts and Verstrynge. A probe from Vanthourenhout was quickly countered by his rivals. Vandeputte also had his moment but was brought back by a slow passage through the sand pit.

The final lap promised fireworks with the best riders in the race: Sweeck, Vanthourenhout, and Vandeputte. Just a few hundred meters from the finish, Vanthourenhout was dropped. He would finish third and secure his leadership position. Vandeputte launched the sprint first, with Sweeck on his wheel. In a nerve-wracking sprint, it was Sweeck who overtook Vandeputte at the last moment. Laurens Sweeck thus won his fourth race in Niel. Niels Vandeputte strengthened his second place in the standings.