Joran Wyseure Beats Michael Vanthourenhout at Noordzeecross

Joran Wyseure secured a victory at the Superprestige Noordzeecross in Middelkerke on a Thursday in November, outlasting Michael Vanthourenhout in a race held under artificial lights. The event, historically held in February, was moved to the autumn to accommodate a nighttime schedule.

The race saw shifting leadership throughout its 10 laps. Gerben Kuypers claimed the hole shot on the opening lap and maintained a lead into the second circuit, though he was eventually reeled in by the pack. By the sixth lap, the competition intensified as Vanthourenhout initiated an acceleration, eventually narrowing the lead group to himself, Wyseure, and Kevin Kuhn. Joran Wyseure beat Michael Vanthourenhout at Noordzeecross in a final sprint, finishing with a time of 58:10, four seconds ahead of the runner-up.

Race Dynamics and Key Incidents

The course proved challenging, with several riders facing mechanical or physical setbacks. Wyseure struggled on the planks twice during the contest, and a collision on the eighth lap significantly impacted the field. As the riders approached a short, sharp climb, Vanthourenhout and Cameron Mason bumped shoulders, causing Vanthourenhout to fall and diminishing his immediate chances of victory. Despite a second spill by Wyseure later in the race, he managed to stay at the front of the pack alongside Kuhn.

Vanthourenhout Retains Overall Series Lead

The final lap saw a tense battle between the top three riders. While Vanthourenhout could not find the power to overtake Wyseure, he maintained his position in the series standings. The final podium for the second round of the 2026-2027 Superprestige was:

• 1) Joran Wyseure (Belgium/Crelan-Cordendon) 58:10
• 2) Michael Vanthourenhout (Belgium/Pauwels Sauzen) +0:04
• 3) Kevin Kuhn (Switzerland/Heizomat-Cube) +0:05

Following the event, Vanthourenhout retains the overall series lead. The circuit moves to its next round at the Jaarmarktcross in Niel on November 11.