While the women rode six laps, the men got eight. Three West Flemish favorites rode with it. Teammates Eli Iserbyt and Michael Vanthourenhout. And Gerben Kuypers.
The three broke away from the rest after three laps, under the impulse of Kuypers. He won last weekend in Oisterwijk and would like to be included in the selection for the European Championships in Pontchâteau. Iserbyt – second in Waterloo last weekend at the World Cup round – was also present, as was Vanthourenhout.
But when Kuypers accelerated again, Vanthourenhout had to be let go first and a little later Iserbyt had to be let go as well. Gerben Kuypers was clearly the master of the field in Ardooie. He soon had a half-minute lead. Iserbyt was overtaken by a trio that also included Vanthourenhout and Joran Wyseure. But Gerben Kuypers was able to add his second victory – quite early in the season. Iserbyt came second, Wyseure third.