Daan Soete wins Belgian Gravel Championship

Daan Soete claimed the Belgian Gravel Championship title in Grobbendonk after a decisive breakaway with favorite Wout van Aert. The race outcome has sparked discussion regarding whether Van Aert intentionally allowed his close friend Soete to win.

Analyst Jan Bakelants noted that Soete had identified this championship as a major goal. According to Bakelants, Van Aert had previously remarked, ‘If you can follow me, I want to do something for you,’ though the exact intent of this statement remains unclear. While some speculate it was a ‘gift,’ Bakelants also emphasized that Soete’s expertise as a full-time gravel rider made him a legitimate contender on this specific course.

Soete expressed surprise at the final result, noting that while he and Van Aert had communicated and worked together during their breakaway, he did not expect Van Aert to drop him on the final sand section. Soete credited the teamwork with Van Aert for providing him with extra motivation during the race.