Van Hoovels takes dominant Roc d’Ardenne win

1 May 2016

The third edition of Roc d'Ardenne drew well over 1,000 participants to Houffalize on a cold Sunday morning. Several participants dropped out because of the biting cold, but 1,300 participants braved the weather and took the start. Starting in five waves, the mountainbikers faced a 57-kilometre-long half marathon against the clock.

Because of heavy rain during the week, the course was transformed into a tough and muddy trail. That didn’t deter Belgian mountainbike star Kevin van Hoovels. After staying with a group of six riders during the early stages of the race, Van Hoovels broke away and was never caught again until the finish.

Van Hoovels celebrated a dominant victory with a remarkable six minute lead over runner-up Sönke Wegner, who took second after a sprint.

The women’s race was won by Belpaire from France. She finished solo with a healthy lead over her compatriot Koenig.