Michael Vanthourenhout rode his luck to take victory in Namur after a rollercoaster finale. The World Cup leader beat Toon Aerts and a brilliant Emiel Verstrynge to ensure an all-Belgian podium at the top of the Citadel.
December has been shaping up to be the month of Michael Vanthourenhout (Pauwels Sauzen – Bingoal). After his successes in Dublin and Herentals (Saturday), the World Cup leader had a prime opportunity to take a third major win in just two weeks.
Vanthourenhout did not make an ideal getaway, nor did Thibau Nys, who suffered a double puncture at the start and was knocked out of the top 10. Eli Iserbyt also had to throw in the towel on the second lap, a blow to the number two in the World Cup standings.
At the front of the race, Emiel Verstrynge and Gerben Kuypers made a flying start to claim the lead with Vanthourenhout. Aerts closed a 15-second gap to take over the lead, while Kuypers had to abandon the race.
Vanthourenhout and Verstrynge then fought out a superb duel until they were joined by Aerts. Aerts seemed to have created a decisive gap until he crashed on the final lap, handing the victory on a silver platter to Vanthourenhout. Verstrynge completed an all-Belgian podium.
“I thought it was over, I was in trouble,” said Vanthourenhout, who reinforced his World Cup lead. “But I took advantage of Aerts’ mistake. After that I just kept going until the finish.”
