Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) reflected on a ‘stupid mistake’ Saturday in Maasmechelen, one that proved costly in allowing rival Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) to cruise away for a fourth World Cup victory of the season.
The much-awaited battle between the rivals developed early on the Belgium course as Van Aert moved his way to the front following a first lap collision with a course marking wooden pole. The Visma-Lease a Bike rider looked strong as he rode back through the field and took the lead from Van der Poel.
