The 2016 Hansgrohe Superprestige cyclocross series in Europe has delivered some of the best men’s races of the year, with plenty of drama and back-and-forth action between the sport’s two biggest stars in Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert. The third stop in Ruddervoorde was no exception, and even the pesky dropped chain made its return to add some excitement and frustration for Van Aert and fans alike.
We’ve got some photographic highlights from the race, starting with Bart Hazen’s gallery of the Elite Men’s race. Some of our favorites are below, with more in the slideshow at the bottom.
Mathieu van der Poel in control. 2016 SuperPrestige cyclocross series, Ruddervoorde race #3, Elite Men.
Van Aert leading Van der Poel in the sand. 2016 SuperPrestige cyclocross series, Ruddervoorde race #3, Elite Men. © Peter Scholz / Cyclocross Magazine
Van der Poel on the attack in the sand, ahed of Van Aert and Vanthourenhout. 2016 SuperPrestige cyclocross series, Ruddervoorde race #3, Elite Men. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine
Wout van Aert descends the flyover. 2016 SuperPrestige cyclocross series, Ruddervoorde race #3, Elite Men. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine
Mathieu van der Poel leads Wout van Aert up the slippery stairs. 2016 SuperPrestige cyclocross series, Ruddervoorde race #3, Elite Men. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine
Mathieu van der Poel wins his third Superprestige in a row. 2016 SuperPrestige cyclocross series, Ruddervoorde race #3, Elite Men. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine
2016 Superprestige Cyclocross Series – Ruddervoorde Race #3 Photo Gallery
Riders had to hop this on an uphill. Most did, including Wout Van Aert, but a few dismounted. 2016 SuperPrestige cyclocross series, Ruddervoorde race #3, Elite Men. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine
