Head-to-head in Inferno cross duathlon

Hans Van den Buverie has won the Westende Inferno cross duathlon after an exciting head-to-head with Kristof Declerck. The Sandman Events race passed in ideal circumstances, a sunny 9°C windless day meant that Kris Coddens’ course record was shattered while he looked at it from the sidelines with a broken elbow. Also on the short distance tension rose high with five competitors, leading Robin Schuermans to the win.

This was Bientjes first victory among a strong field. Schuermans took the lead after the first 2.5km run, but on the MTB specialist Maxim Gosseries went over him. Bientje had to retake initiative during the closing run, but was joined by Jaryd De Mooij. Eventually, Jaryd had to let Schuermans go and came second. Gosseries came third. The women’s race was won by Birgit Wauters. Due to an upcoming injury, she opted out of the long distance and took the Light win. Hannah Verhaeghe came in second.

The Long distance consisted in a 5km run, 40km MTB and another 10km run. Hans Van den Buverie and Kristof Declerck were the two favourites and from the start they both took the initiative. They were side by side on the MTB, so the final run had to bring closure. Still they stuck together, until the entry of the last lap, where Van den Buverie managed to put a small surge. After his second place last year, he takes a well-earned win. Kristof Declerck came second, followed by Van den Buveries 12B04 teammate Benjamin Verlet. Hellcat Ward Vander Meire came fourth, Dutch elite Peter Res fifth and first master.

Deborah Gyselen opted out of the women’s race, so the field was leveled. This race was won by Delphine Vanneste, Anouk Vanhoutte came second and was followed by Kim Verstappen.

Yeray Luxem and Leen Leysen to victory

Antoher format was the duo race. Home team Mother Lambik came first and third, with Maarten Himpens and Reinbert Van Acker as victors. In the mixed category victory was for Team Brent, named after the son of Yeray Luxem, last year’s victor of the Light but this year in the duo due to injury, and Leen Leysen.

Original article posted by Hans Cleemput on 3athlon.be on 18/02/2018
Translation by @T0v3