Joris Nieuwenhuis wins sprint to first turn and secures the victory in snowy cyclo-cross of Val di Sole

Joris Nieuwenhuis dominated the World Cup cyclo-cross race in Val di Sole, winning decisively. The Dutch cyclist took the lead in the snowy terrain right from the start and maintained his position throughout. Behind him, a battle for second place ensued, with Niels Vandeputte of the Alpecin-Deceuninck Development Team clinching the spot. Joran Wyseure of Crelan-Corendon took third place.

The race in the Italian Alps proved that a good start was crucial. Nieuwenhuis, with a perfect line, was the first to dive into the snow, avoiding any mistakes and quickly gaining a slight lead. Only Vandeputte was quick to react, keeping Nieuwenhuis somewhat within sight.

There were no position changes in the first lap. The gap between Vandeputte and leader Nieuwenhuis remained consistent, while a small group of chasers formed behind them. This group included the likes of the classification leader Eli Iserbyt and his teammate Michael Vanthourenhout, as well as Laurens Sweeck.

After exactly one lap, the gap for this group was already just under a minute. Vandeputte, on the other hand, was only sixteen seconds behind Nieuwenhuis, who was still riding a clear lap.

Nieuwenhuis widens the gap, Wyseure breaks away from the chasers

The cyclist from the Achterhoek, Nieuwenhuis, managed to further extend his lead. By the midpoint of the race, Vandeputte found himself trailing by thirty seconds. Behind them, Wyseure managed to get away from the group of chasers, although he was over a minute behind the race leader. Iserbyt and Vanthourenhout struggled to find their rhythm, remaining twenty seconds behind Wyseure.

Wyseure made the race more thrilling towards the end. Though not for the win, he spiced up the contest for second place. As Vandeputte saw his gap with Nieuwenhuis increase, Wyseure in turn was catching up. But the Belgian would not really get to the wheel of his teammate.

Wyseure secured a podium finish, coming in third. Nieuwenhuis completed his hour-long solo ride to cross the finish line first, followed by Vandeputte in second place, and Wyseure in third.

Results World Cup Val di Sole men 2023

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