The GP De Ster on the beach at Sint-Niklaas once again ended in a duel between favorite Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) and mega-talent Mathieu Van der Poel (Enertherm-BKCP). In his second race with the elite, the only 18-year-old almost caused a sensation. In the end, however, the finish photo decided in favor of Albert.
A leading group with Albert, Van der Poel and Rob Peeters (Telenet-Fidea) had already formed in the first round. Behind them, Sven Nys (Crelan-KDL) organized the tracking work together with Francis Mourey (FDJ.fr), Bart Aernouts (AA Drinks), and Philipp Walsleben (BKCP-Powerplus). Halfway through the race, Nys picked up the pace but couldn't catch up with the front runners. Here Van der Poel brought about the preliminary decision with a full start. At the beginning of the last lap it was only Albert who was traveling with the young Dutchman. In the final sprint, the Belgian used all his experience and won just ahead of Van der Poel. Behind them, Peters took third place. Walsleben was sixth as the best German.
//Result
1. Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus)
2. Mathieu van der Poel (Enertherm-BKCP)
3. Rob Peeters (Telenet Fidea)
4. Sven Nys (Crelan-KDL)