Exact Cross: Niels Vandeputte takes over for teammate Mathieu van der Poel atop podium in Maldegem

Alpecin-Premier Tech Team's Belgian rider Niels Vandeputte celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the men's elite race of the 'Parkcross' cyclo-cross cycling event, race 6/7 in the 'Exact Cross' competition, in Maldegem on February 4, 2026. (Photo by DAVID PINTENS / Belga / AFP) / Belgium OUT
Niels Vandeputte wins in Maldegem (Image credit: Getty Images)

After Mathieu van der Poel's dominance during his cyclo-cross campaign, post-Worlds it was his teammate Niels Vandeputte who claimed victory in the Exact Cross Maldegem on Wednesday.

Vandeputte got away with Joran Wyseure and Felipe Orts late in the race following a crash by Michael Vanthourenhout on the penultimate lap.

Joran Wyseure leads on the final lap (Image credit: Getty Images)

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Laura Weislo
Managing Editor

Laura Weislo is a Cyclingnews veteran of 20 years. Having joined in 2006, Laura extensively covered the Operacion Puerto doping scandal, the years-long conflict between the UCI and the Tour de France organisers ASO over the creation of the WorldTour, and the downfall of Lance Armstrong and his lifetime ban for doping. As Managing Editor, Laura coordinates coverage for North American events and global news.

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