Sven Nys (Crelan-AA Drink) is in great form at the moment. After an exciting race, he was able to secure victory at the Soudal Classic Leuven. Kevin Pauwels (Sunweb-Napoleon Games) finished second. Third was Tom Meeusen (Telenet-Fidea), who saved himself from Philipp Walsleben (BKCP-Powerplus).
Meeusen was the unlucky man of the race. He tried to break away from the field early on and led the race over the first few laps. In the fifth lap, Nys and Walsleben managed to catch up with Meeusen. A little later, Pauwels also made the connection. As the group threatened to grow, the trio Meeusen, Nys and Pauwels emerged. The three of them continuously increased their lead.
"When the three drove away, I just didn't have a good moment", Walsleben described the situation after the race.
After that it was always Meeusen who set the pace at the front, but who also showed tactical cleverness. When Pauwels attacked, he encouraged Nys to close the hole.
On the final lap, it was Meeusen himself who led the trio into the last kilometer when a puncture ended his chances of winning. After waving his two rivals past, Nys attacked and secured victory. Meeusen, who got a new bike at the depot, was able to keep ahead of Walsleben in the sprint.
//Result
1. Sven Nys (Crelan-AA Drink)
2. Kevin Pauwels (Subewb-Napoleon Games)
3. Tom Meeusen (Telenet Fidea)
4. Philipp Walsleben (BKCP-Powerplus)