After already taking the Gazet van Antwerp Trophy opener last week, reigning world champion Zdenek Stybar also powered to victory in the first of the eight Superprestige series races today in Ruddervoorde. Sven Nys, who did not finish last week, ended the day in third place. Niels Albert finished seventh, with room for improvement after sitting out last week due to injury.
Stybar was all smiles in the Belgian sun shine after the race. "It was a tough parcours, but I really enjoyed the nice weather and the spectators," he told Sporza after the race. " I had a good partner with Bartje [Bart] Aernouts." After a quick start by Albert and a crash by Klaas Vantornout in the first turn, Stybar took control of the race early on. Aernouts was the only one able to follow the Czech rider. "My plan was to get an early selection with around four riders, but with Bart alone it was going really well," Stybar said.
After his mishap, Vantornout managed to claw his way back from 28th to an eventual ninth place. Stybar and Aernouts were oblivious to any struggles behind. "We rode a good pace," Stybar said. "I managed to win [the race], that makes me really happy. Bartje did a big step forward, I am really happy for him as well."
Nobody expected Aernouts in second place, but he went from the gun. "I started well and was able to close the gap to Stybar quickly." He then settled in behind the World Champ. "I intentionally let him take the front, because he was so strong." Early in the last lap Aernouts tried hard to shake Stybar. The latter was able to counter, then move away meter by meter over the twisting up-and-down course, lined by thousands of people. "In the last lap my best was over and I had to let Zdenek go." Aernouts finished four seconds behind Stybar.
Nys had to settle for third, but has happy after what he called his debacle last week. "In the beginning it didn't go too well, in the first turn I lost a few places. Further up, Stybar accelerated and a spoke in my wheel broke." Nys was about 15 seconds behind and said he was unable to make up lost ground. "So I rode for the podium, and that worked out."
Steve Chainel was fourth, continuing to improve his performances. The Frenchman is also doing well in the classics and was undoubtedly happy with today's cobble stone section. Chainel celebrated as he crossed the line a few meters ahead of Bart Wellens and Sven Vanthourenhout.
Niels Albert was close behind. "Seventh, that was the best I could do. Until a lap and a half to go I was in the chase group - that is quite positive." After his injury, he still needs some adjustment. "I don't feel quite right yet, but I won't panic. I will calmly continue to work and I am really happy that I was able to hang on today."
The next Superprestige race is on October 31 in Zonhoven. The next GvA is one day after Zonhoven with the tough Koppenbergcross in Oudenaarde. The first round of the World Cup is next week, October 17, in Aigle, Switzerland.