Mathieu van der Poel won the third edition of the Zilvermeercross in Mol written. Halfway through the race, it was clear that the Dutch champion and world champion Wout van Aert would decide the race. A mistake and a subsequent crash from the world champion made sure that Van der Poel could take his ninth win of the season with apparent ease, thus equaling Van Aert’s tally.

Although the Zilvermeercross is not part of any of the series, all the stars were at the start: World champion Wout van Aert, Dutch champion Mathieu van der Poel, European champion Toon Aerts, Tom Meeusen, Kevin Pauwels… The world champion had the best start in the sand and Mathieu van der Poel had to be content with a place a little further back in the peloton. Tom Meeusen also started well as he was one of the few to bunny hop the concrete barrier. Van Aert and co. chose the safer option of running.

It was a surprise scenario at the start of the second lap. There was no Wout van Aert or Mathieu van der Poel in the lead. Instead, Daan Soete had taken charge. Kevin Pauwels and Michael Vanthourenhout were also alert but it is not a good season for Pauwels. He made a mistake in the sand and held both Meeusen and Vanthourenhout back.

Meanwhile, Van Aert and Van der Poel Soete passed Soete and only Jim Aernouts could follow. However, it was not long before the two stars had distanced themselves from the rest and again showed their dominance. It would be a waiting game for the first error of one of the two or a final attack. The Dutchman faltered occasionally on a sand hill but Van Aert could not take advantage. Van der Poel stayed with Van Aert.

One lap later, it was Van Aert’s to get stuck on the same sandy climb.  Van der Poel rode away and got an immediate gap. It would be the decisive mistake. For a long time, Van der Poel had a lead of eight seconds but with two laps to go, it had increased to 15 seconds. Van Aert crashed on the descent of the sand climb. Fortunately, the sandy surface meant that it was a minor blow.

Mathieu van der Poel took as his ninth victory and crowned himself in the sand in Mol. World Wout van Aert had to settle for second while Tom Meeusen finished third.

Result

1. Mathieu van der Poel

2. Wout Van Aert

3. Tom Meeusen

4. Laurens Sweeck

5. Philipp Walsleben

6. Corne Van Kessel

7. David van der Poel

8. Diether Sweeck

9. Kevin Pauwels

10. Wietse Bosmans