Vandeputte wins his first Telenet Superprestige round in Gullegem

Niels Vandeputte claimed his first-ever victory in the Telenet Superprestige. In Gullegem, he fought an intense duel with Michael Vanthourenhout.

Joris Nieuwenhuis (Ridley Racing Team) got off to the best start in West Flemish Gullegem. The Dutchman set the pace during the opening phase of the race. Together with Gerben Kuypers (Pauwels Sauzen – Altez Industriebouw CT), he created an early selection. The leading group of seven also included Michael Vanthourenhout (Pauwels Sauzen – Altez Industriebouw CT), Joran Wyseure (Crelan-Corendon), Felipe Orts (Ridley Racing Team), Niels Vandeputte and Jenthe Michels (Alpecin-Deceuninck).

Kuypers continued on his momentum and went solo in the third lap. In doing so, he put his teammate Vanthourenhout — second in the overall standings behind Vandeputte — in a comfortable position. Sensing the danger, Vandeputte took responsibility in the chase. With Vanthourenhout, Wyseure and Nieuwenhuis in tow, he closed the gap to Kuypers.

What followed was a nerve-wracking battle amid the falling snow. Nieuwenhuis made a mistake in the sixth lap, allowing Vanthourenhout and Wyseure to gain a small advantage. However, the Dutchman managed to bridge the gap, with Vandeputte on his wheel. Meanwhile, Kuypers also made an error and completely lost contact with the leaders.

Nieuwenhuis and Vandeputte entered the pit area in the penultimate lap, giving Vanthourenhout and Wyseure another small lead. When Wyseure then made a minor mistake, Vanthourenhout was left alone at the front. But in the Telenet Superprestige standings, there is no Vanthourenhout without Vandeputte. The Alpecin-Deceuninck rider caught Vanthourenhout for a second time, with Wyseure in his wheel.

At the start of the final lap, Nieuwenhuis also rejoined, meaning four riders contested the finale. Vanthourenhout continued to ride at a blistering pace, but could not shake off Vandeputte. The two swapped positions several times, yet it was ultimately Vandeputte who prevailed. He extends his lead over Vanthourenhout in the overall standings to three points. Joris Nieuwenhuis joined them on the podium in third place.