Description
December 10, 2022
Exact Cross 2023 – 4 – Essen
The Exact Cross series – formerly known as Ethias Cross and Brico Cross – is one of the four major series in the cyclocross season,
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December 10, 2022
Exact Cross 2023 – 4 – Essen
The Exact Cross series – formerly known as Ethias Cross and Brico Cross – is one of the four major series in the cyclocross season, making it one of the most prestigious series in modern cyclocross. The series takes place over eight rounds throughout the season, with all of the rounds being held in Belgium, one of the two heartlands of cyclocross alongside the Netherlands. Unlike other series, Exact Cross does not award points towards any sort of classification at the end of each race, nor does it compose an overall ranking. Exact Cross is instead a series of one-day races spread throughout the calendar, with whoever crosses the finish line in 1st place winning the race and the bounty of prizes on offer (which is usually money). The Exact Cross series started as the Brico Cross series in the 2016/17 season and had only six rounds in its first edition. In the 2018/19 season, the series introduced its current eight-round format and for the 2019/20 season, the series was renamed ‘Ethias Cross’. For this season the series will be known as ‘Exact Cross’ and will introduce some new races to its calendar, while still maintaining its eight-round format.
Gerben Kuypers (Proximus-Alpha Motorhomes-Doltcini) dominated the fourth round of the Exact Cross in Essen and took a solo victory in the province of Antwerp at Robotland on a cold Saturday.
It was Kuypers’ fifth victory of the year, the first elite win outside the Coupe de France series.
Jens Adams (Hollebeekhoeve Cycling Team) took second while Emiel Verstrynge (Crelan-Fristads) held on for third. Victor van de Putte (Deschacht-Hens-Maes) just missed the podium, finishing one second back of Verstrynge.
Since the women’s race earlier on Saturday, deeper roots and ruts were carved on the muddy course but the pace was still swift. Kuypers dashed to the lead at the start with Verstrynge on his back wheel. Adams had work to do straightaway, pushing from seventh place.
By the third of 10 laps, there were four riders who settled at the front, Kuypers and Verstrynge pushing the pace with Clément Horny (BH-Wallonie MTB) and Adams. One circuit later, a hesitation in the mud by Horny caused Adams to crash. This allowed Kuypers and Verstrynge to surge ahead and create a gap.
As the fifth lap began, Kuypers moved smoothly at the front through the woods while Verstrynge began to fade, needing a bike change because of a flat tyre. Kuypers then went into time-trial mode and rode solo for the remaining circuits.
Adams then broke free of Verstrynge and Alpecin-Deceuninck duo of Jente Michels and Van de Putte to make the contest interesting with two and half laps to go, closing to within 21 seconds to Kuypers.
The big names from the past two years, including 2021 winner Wout Van Aert and 2020 winner Mathieu van der Poel, skipped Essen to travel to Ireland for Sunday’s World Cup contest. Adams will be one of the top riders from Essen to pack his bike and travel to Dublin for a weekend doubleheader.
Results :
. The Exact Cross series started as the Brico Cross series in the 2016/17 season and had only six rounds in its first edition. In the 2018/19 season, the series introduced its current eight-round format and for the 2019/20 season, the series was renamed ‘Ethias Cross’. For this season the series will be known as ‘Exact Cross’ and will introduce some new races to its calendar, while still maintaining its eight-round format.
Gerben Kuypers (Proximus-Alpha Motorhomes-Doltcini) dominated the fourth round of the Exact Cross in Essen and took a solo victory in the province of Antwerp at Robotland on a cold Saturday.
It was Kuypers’ fifth victory of the year, the first elite win outside the Coupe de France series.
Jens Adams (Hollebeekhoeve Cycling Team) took second while Emiel Verstrynge (Crelan-Fristads) held on for third. Victor van de Putte (Deschacht-Hens-Maes) just missed the podium, finishing one second back of Verstrynge.
Since the women’s race earlier on Saturday, deeper roots and ruts were carved on the muddy course but the pace was still swift. Kuypers dashed to the lead at the start with Verstrynge on his back wheel. Adams had work to do straightaway, pushing from seventh place.
By the third of 10 laps, there were four riders who settled at the front, Kuypers and Verstrynge pushing the pace with Clément Horny (BH-Wallonie MTB) and Adams. One circuit later, a hesitation in the mud by Horny caused Adams to crash. This allowed Kuypers and Verstrynge to surge ahead and create a gap.
As the fifth lap began, Kuypers moved smoothly at the front through the woods while Verstrynge began to fade, needing a bike change because of a flat tyre. Kuypers then went into time-trial mode and rode solo for the remaining circuits.
Adams then broke free of Verstrynge and Alpecin-Deceuninck duo of Jente Michels and Van de Putte to make the contest interesting with two and half laps to go, closing to within 21 seconds to Kuypers.
The big names from the past two years, including 2021 winner Wout Van Aert and 2020 winner Mathieu van der Poel, skipped Essen to travel to Ireland for Sunday’s World Cup contest. Adams will be one of the top riders from Essen to pack his bike and travel to Dublin for a weekend doubleheader.
<strong>Results : </strong>
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