Iserbyt takes victory number 4

After Waterloo, Iowa City and Overijse, Iserbyt again dotted the i's and crossed the t's in the seventh round of the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup in Koksijde today. The leader in the rankings finished solo ahead of team-mate Sweeck. Toon Aerts finished in third place.

The rain put in an appearance before the start of the men's race in Koksijde. The typical Belgian weather clearly motivated Quinten Hermans. He worked hard on the first lap and was able to build up a small lead, but was unable to really pull away. A small pack of riders coloured the first half of the race.

On the fourth of the seven laps, Toon Aerts succeeded in shaking the proverbial tree. Aerts won the race in Zonhoven earlier this season and was clearly in the mood to win again today. This time there was a separation. The trio of Aerts, Iserbyt and Hermans looked set to battle it out for the win in the dunes on the Belgian coast.

The jousting at the front had begun. First, Aerts again made a big effort in the sand. Then it was the turn of Iserbyt who showed his skills up one of the dunes. These two left Hermans behind and rode together into the penultimate lap. Again it was Iserbyt who turned the pressure on Aerts. The latter first had to concede a gap, but then managed to close it on the next sandy stretch.

When Hermans appeared to be closing from behind, Iserbyt decided that his moment had come. When Aerts had to take to his feet on one of the sandy slopes, Iserbyt was able to force a gap with a technical crossing. The UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup leader managed to gain 8 seconds and went solo into the final lap.

On the seventh and final lap, Iserbyt never lost his lead. Team-mate Sweeck was the fastest of the chasers in the battle for second place, ahead of Toon Aerts. Thus Iserbyt took his 4th win in the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup this season and consolidated his leading position in the rankings. 

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