Dutch cyclist wins closing race in Belgium, draws fans
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Casper van der Woude of the Netherlands won the 91st Sluitingsprijs Putte-Kapellen, the final road cycling race of the season in Belgium.
The race in Putte-Kapellen drew 175 cyclists and a crowd of fans who enjoy its festive atmosphere. Organizer Ben Simons explained the race grew from a tradition linked to the local kermis (fair) and once attracted cyclists and fans from across Flanders.
This year’s race covered 149.4 kilometers, and organizers had to limit participation due to the large number of cyclists wanting to compete. Fans like Fons Kalfs, who lives near the course, have attended for years and remember a time when famous cyclists such as Rik Van Looy would socialize after the race. Spectators travelled from other countries to attend, including Esther Toonen from Utrecht, Netherlands, who came to support her son, Niels, who raced for a Portuguese team.
Supporters also came to cheer on local riders like Rune Boden, who competes for the Alpecin-Deceuninck development team. Jozef Havermans from Niel encouraged his grandson, an irregular cyclist, during the event. Nikolas Milanovic of the United States finished second, and Noah Brits completed the podium.
