OPENINGHoogerheide — the GP Adrie van der Poel, the 12th and final round of the 2025–26 World Cup, run on the fast, power-heavy circuit Van der Poel grew up racing. From the first lap he sat near the front and forced an immediate selection, the elite group narrowing to a handful: Del Grosso, Vandeputte, Nys, Aerts and the rest of the favourites.

UNFOLDSThe decisive move came mid-race. Van der Poel launched the long-range attack that has become his signature, stacking power efforts on the drags and straights to open a gap that grew to roughly half a minute. With clear air he rode his own lines through the technical sectors, eliminating risk and turning the back half of the race into a solo time trial.

DECIDEDThe win was settled the moment the gap stuck — there was no answer to Van der Poel's pace from the chase. What was left to race for was the podium and the final World Cup points, contested by a large chasing group.

FINALEVan der Poel had so much margin he reportedly turned around to watch the sprint for second. Behind, the chase came down to a tight finish: Tibor Del Grosso edged Niels Vandeputte for 2nd in a photo finish, with Thibau Nys — who had led out the sprint — taken to 4th in the final metres, all three given the same +1:20. Toon Aerts was 5th at +1:21.