The penultimate stage of the UCI World Cup this winter provided one of the most exciting moments of the entire season. An action-packed race took place on a sunny afternoon in Spain, with Wout van Aert being the big winner, ending an impressive run of 10 consecutive victories by Mathieu Van der Poel.
Despite being the world champion, Mathieu van der Poel started the race, as usual, being the big favorite. However, the Dutch cyclist faced difficulties early on, in Benidorm. Due to chain problems, van der Poel completed the first lap in 19th place.
Wout Van Aert accelerates after Mathieu Van der Poel problems
With Van der Poel needing to recover in the field, his rival, Wout van Aert, was looking to lead the race from the start. However, the World Champion had already returned to the top of the race in just three laps.
Watch Mathieu Van der Poel’s incredible recovery
While Van der Poel and Van Aert accelerated, Thibau Nys was the only one initially able to maintain the pace. However, after reaching the most difficult section, Tom Pidcock and Michael Vanthourenhout took over the chase.
At the start of the sixth lap, Pidcock gained a small lead in the race, but the Brit was unable to sustain it as the quartet came together again to start the seventh lap and with two laps to go, a group of 10 cyclists was gathered. ahead.
More problems for Mathieu Van der Poel
Disaster then struck van der Poel again when he fell while passing through the sandpit. Although he came back quickly, Wou van Aert realized what was happening and accelerated to victory.
With one lap to go, Van der Poel was in 10th position, 23 seconds behind Wout Van Aert, who had a fall a few meters before the finish that ended up breaking his saddle. But the Belgian got up quickly, crossed the finish line in 1st place and proved that the number 13 brought him luck in the competition.
Michael Vanthourenhout crossed the line in 2nd place and Thibau Nys closed the podium in 3rd place.
Watch Wout Van Aert’s fall and victory
Benidorm 2024 World Cup Results
