Nys shows his class at the Gavere Superprestige

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World champion Sven Nys (Crelan-KDL) gave yet another lesson in how to win major cyclo-cross races by taking victory in the Asper-Gavere race of the Superprestige series. Incredibly it was Nys’ ninth victory in the Asper-Gavere race and he also extended his lead in the season-long race series. It was his second victory of the weekend after also winning the GP Hasselt on Saturday.

Nys started badly but powered his way through the field in the muddy conditions and then surged away from Germany’s Philipp Walsleben ( BKCP-Powerplus) on the final muddy section before the finish. The young German had tried to crack Nys and at times made him suffer, but had nothing left when Nys attacked and could only follow him over the finish line.

“It’s nice to win as world champion, especially at my age. If you’re passionate enough and keep working hard then you’re not fading away in 1-2-3,” Nys said after his latest win. “During the final lap I saved energy for the sprint instead of attacking on the climb. It paid off.”

The mud, the multiple running sections, steep drops and long climbs took its toll on both riders and gears during the race. Bart Aernouts (AA Drink) was forced to pull out early on due to a broken derailleur and others suffered similar problems.

Lars van der Haar (Rabo Development Team) and Klaas Vantornout (Sunweb-Napoleon Games) made their classic quick start, being first onto the muddy course and the early leaders of the race. During the third of eight laps they were joined by Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) and Walsleben. Behind, Nys was taking his time to move forward.

“I always kept the leaders in sight. The gap was never more than 20 seconds. This course doesn’t lie. If your form is good you end up in front,” Nys said.

Albert faded from the front after sliding into a pole on the tricky descent. He was caught by Nys and together the duo gained ground on the leaders.

“Later on my rear wheel was touching my frame, forcing me to stop and adjust my wheel. From then on I kept riding at the same distance from the leaders. Too bad because the overall classification seems gone now,” Albert said.

Nys and Walsleben go clear

After Nys caught up with the leaders during the fifth lap, together with Telenet-Fidea riders Tom Meeusen and Rob Peeters, it was time for Walsleben to attack. Only Vantornout marked the German’s move but he blew his engine. One lap later Nys worked his way back to the front and joined Walsleben. Nys wearing the rainbow jersey, with Walsleben in his similar German national champion’s jersey.

The duo rode the final two laps together, with Vantornout and Peeters the closest chasers but 20 seconds behind.

Walsleben led Nys for most of the final lap but just before the all important climb he had a derailleur problem and nearly came to a halt. Nys got a gap but then waited for the German who came past the world champion.

“I decided to take it easy up the climb while he was working hard. He probably felt like the win was within his reach and went over the top,” Nys said.

A little later Walsleben led Nys on the long bobbly section towards the finish line. Halfway along the path Nys went full gas, pushing hard on the pedals, and Walsleben was suddenly suffering. He lost Nys’ wheel and was unable to close the gap before the finish, as Nys celebrated another victory.

“I was dreaming and was caught by surprise,” Walsleben admitted. “I’m a bit disappointed but tonight I’ll enjoy this second place.”

Behind, Vantornout and Peeters clashed several times in their battle for the remaining podium spot with the lanky Vantornout eventually taking third place.

“I tried to get through on the inside in the descent when Vantornout suddenly moved aside and knocked me off my bike. He apologized straight away after the race,” Peeters said.

In the general classification Nys now holds a seven-point lead over both Albert, who finished a disappointing fifth in Gavere, and Vantornout.

The next round of the Hansgrohe Superprestige cyclo-cross series is in Gieten, the Netherlands, on November 24.