Vanthourenhout wins in Middelkerke, Vandeputte takes overall Telenet Superprestige victory

Michael Vanthourenhout claimed victory in the Telenet Superprestige round in Middelkerke. The Belgian rode at the front for a long time alongside his teammate Gerben Kuypers, but multiple punctures forced the latter to settle for third place behind overall winner Niels Vandeputte.

All eyes were on the battle for the overall title between Niels Vandeputte (Alpecin–Premier Tech) and Michael Vanthourenhout (Pauwels Sauzen – Altez Industriebouw CT). Just three points separated the two Belgians in the general classification before the start in Middelkerke, and after a slow opening they were again riding close together in the first lap.

Joris Nieuwenhuis (Ridley Racing Team) took the initiative early in the race. The heavy conditions suited last year’s winner in Middelkerke perfectly. The Dutchman immediately set a strong pace, creating the first gaps. At the end of the opening lap, Nieuwenhuis held a four-second lead over Gerben Kuypers (Pauwels Sauzen – Altez Industriebouw CT) and Cameron Mason (Seven Racing). Vandeputte and Vanthourenhout passed through in twelfth and fourteenth position respectively.

In the second lap, Kuypers joined Nieuwenhuis at the front. Behind the leading duo, a large chasing group formed, with Vanthourenhout raising the pace. The Belgian bridged across to Mason and then to Nieuwenhuis, who had been dropped by Kuypers. Vandeputte, who entered the pit area just as Vanthourenhout accelerated, missed the move and was forced to chase.

Kuypers did not make things easy for his teammate, but Vanthourenhout eventually rejoined the leaders in the fourth lap. Sensing the danger, Vandeputte took control of the chase group after a difficult first half of the race. Clearly struggling with back pain, the Belgian nonetheless managed to ride clear of his pursuers. At that point, his gap to Kuypers and Vanthourenhout stood at 13 seconds.

Although Vandeputte had dropped the others, he never truly closed in on the two leaders. Kuypers and Vanthourenhout appeared set to battle it out for the win, until Kuypers suffered a puncture in the penultimate lap. He had to let his teammate go and started the final lap nine seconds behind.

After another puncture in the final lap, Kuypers was also passed by Vandeputte, fixing the podium positions. Following victories in Ruddervoorde and Overijse, Vanthourenhout also proved the strongest in Middelkerke. Niels Vandeputte secured the overall Telenet Superprestige title for the second consecutive year.