Cyclocross World Cup Valkenburg 2014 Men's

Lars van der Haar (Giant-Shimano) began his season by winning today’s World Cup cyclocross race in Valkenburg, with a solo victory.

Van der Haar succeeding in riding clear of Kevin Pauwels, after the Sunweb-Napoleon Games rider crashed during a descent along today’s bumpy course. 

From there, van der Haar increased his advantage with each addition lap – until the final bell  – where he held a minute lead over a six-man chase group containing Telenet-Fidea teammates Tom Meeusen, Corne Van Kessel and Thijs Van Amerongen; Philipp Walsleben (BKCP-Powerplus); and Sunweb teammates Pauwels and Klaas Vantornout.

“After the first lap I just felt like I could win today. It just went perfect,” said van der Haar. “I didn’t expect to be this early alone, because Kevin Pauwels was really strong.”

Top 20 Finishers

• 1. Lars van der Haar, Giant-Shimano, in 1:05:42
• 2. Kevin Pauwels, Sunweb-Napoleon Games, at 00:26
• 3. Corne Van Kessel, Telenet-Fidea, at 00:34
• 4. Klaas Vantornout, Sunweb-Napoleon Games, at 00:38
• 5. Tom Meeusen, Telenet-Fidea, at 00:38
• 6. Thijs Van Amerongen, Telenet-Fidea, at 00:41
• 7. Philipp Walsleben, BKCP-Powerplus, at 00:48
• 8. Jens Adams, Vastgoedservice-Golden Palace, at 00:59
• 9. Jeremy Powers, Rapha-Focus, at 01:10
• 10. Gianni Vermeersch, Sunweb-Napoleon Games, at 01:24
• 11. Tim Merlier, Sunweb-Napoleon Games, at 01:31
• 12. Bart Wellens, Telenet-Fidea, at 01:38
• 13. Michael Boros, at 01:58
• 14. Jim Aernouts, Sunweb-Napoleon Games, at 02:05
• 15. Niels Wubben, Telenet-Fidea, at 02:18
• 16. Francis Mourey, FDJ.fr, at 02:23
• 17. Arnaud Grand, at 02:25
• 18. Fabien Canal, Look – Beaumes De Venise, at 02:30
• 19. Twan Van Den Brand, at 02:35
• 20. Enrico Franzoi, Marchiol Emisfero, at 02:48