Tom Pidcock victorious in Hulst

Tom Pidcock took his second victory in the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup in Hulst. The Briton won after a tough battle with Eli Iserbyt. The latter’s second place makes him the overall winner of the regularity criterium.

It was European champion Lars van der Haar who in his own country had the best start. With Toon Vandebosch on his wheel, he was the first one to lead the race. Wout van Aert had an excellent start and followed them in fourth position, but a few stretches later the Belgian champion had to dismount with chain problems. He resumed the race back in 40th position, 36 seconds behind the race leader.

Together with Eli Iserbyt, Lars van der Haar set the pace for the first two laps. Van Aert was able to move up a few places, but he didn’t manage to reduce the time gap. The Belgian realised after a couple laps that he wouldn’t be competing for the win. Halfway through the third lap, Tom Pidcock decided that it was time to step up the pace. At first, Iserbyt was the only one who could keep up with him. Pidcock didn’t allow anyone on his tail though and a lap later he left the Belgian trailing behind.

Despite the small gap, Iserbyt didn’t give up. He fought a hard battle with the British champion, but remained around five seconds behind for a long time. By the time the final lap started, the gap had grown to ten seconds. Pidcock was determined not to relinquish the victory and he threw his arms in the air as he crossed the finishing line. Thanks to his second place, Iserbyt is certain of overall victory in the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup. It was Lars van der Haar who had the honour of joining the first two on the podium in third place.

© Cyclephotos