The much-anticipated Elite Men’s race featuring Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert wrapped up the 2021 World Championships in Oostende. After an early Van der Poel crash allowed Van Aert to get off the front, an untimely flat ultimately did the Belgian in and turned the race into another Van der Poel rout.
After sticking newspaper in his boots and putting them next to the radiator following Saturday’s cold, wet conditions, Euro Correspondent Ethan Glading was back and ready to go for Worlds Day 2. You can check out his gallery from Sunday’s Elite Men’s race below.
If you missed it, also check out his Elite Women’s Worlds Big Picture from Monday. As always, you can find Ethan on Instagram @thepenultimatestage .
Wout van Aert leads the charge into the sand in Lap 1. © Ethan Glading
Tom Pidcock got off to a slow start and found himself chasing the leaders from early in the race. © Ethan Glading
The ships were out for the World ‘chips. © Ethan Glading
Joshua Dubau of France surfs the waves along the sea. © Ethan Glading
Wout van Aert was strong in the sand in the first few laps before giving up key time to Mathieu van der Poel later in the race. © Ethan Glading
Tom Pidcock fights his way through the sand as he moves back into podium contention. © Ethan Glading
Zdenek Stybar’s late addition to the start list meant there were three three-time Elie Men’s champions in the field. © Ethan Glading
Curtis White finished on the lead lap in 20th place. © Ethan Glading
Toon Aerts raced like a man with something to prove, starting strong and ultimately finishing third. © Ethan Glading
After Wout van Aert’s flat, Mathieu van der Poel worked hard to keep his advantage. © Ethan Glading
Wout van Aert’s running skills were not enough to get him back into contention after his flat. © Ethan Glading
Two Sauces and a Tormans Twin battle for the wide-angle podium through the surf and turf. © Ethan Glading
While spectators were not allowed on the beach, no one said anything about photographers swimming in the ocean. © Ethan Glading
Mathieu van der Poel descends the bridge into the sand solo off the front. © Ethan Glading
Forced dismounts in the sand hindered Van Aert’s chase of Van der Poel. © Ethan Glading
Joris Nieuwenhuis and his playoff beard took the final spot in the top 10 on Sunday. © Ethan Glading
Aussie Heinrich Haussler climbs the bridge back to the hippodrome half of the course. © Ethan Glading
Spectators were not allowed in the venue, but a few fans gathered to watch the action at the bridge. © Ethan Glading
Timon Ruegg winds his way through the undulating terrain of the hippodrome. © Ethan Glading
Wout van Aert gave chase of Van der Poel after his flat, but was unable to reel the Dutchman in. © Ethan Glading
After some early mishaps, Van der Poel cruised to his fourth World Championship. © Ethan Glading
Mathieu van der Poel celebrates his fourth World Championship. After the race, he said the experience was just not the same without the fans there. © Ethan Glading
The World Championship came with a trophy to go with the jersey. © Ethan Glading
The Elite Men’s podium was a repeat of Bogense in 2019. © Ethan Glading
These photos!!! Great work!
I heard that the "rideclean" banner as they dropped into the sand was actually paid for by the mechanics.
Thanks Ethan for braving the freezing surf to bring us the race action, along with the critical podium footwear shot.