The "Nederlands Wielerdagen" kick off with the first of three flat circuits: the "Wateringse Wielderdag".
Theo Bos, co-winner of the Belgian Crits Series, is here to repeat his unexpected success. And as some prominent names (Abakoumov, Kip, Vingerling) decided to skip this Dutch Crits, he's definitely in good position.
Other favorites will be Nico Schinker (3rd in Belgium), Michael Vanderaerden (5th), Wouter Weylandt (6th) or Kenny Van Hummel (9th), as well as "debutant" Boy Van Poppel.
Three riders attack right from the start: Daan Olivier (NedU23), Francis De Greef (BPost) and Joeri Adams (Lotto)!
They were joined by Bob Jungels (Vesuvio) one lap later, and now (35km to go) the 4 riders lead by already 2'30" on the bunch.
Halfway through the race, Rabobank and Team Luxembourg start to chase hard, working for two of today's top-favourites.
With 3 laps to go, two riders try to attack out of the pack (which is only 50" in arrears now): Jan Hopman (UPC) and Kenny Van Hummel (Jo Piels)!
A remarkable move by Van Hummel, who may not be the top-favorite for a bunch-sprint, but who has the chance to be in the mix though. But no criterium without a surprise, right?
It ain't surprising, that the two attackers were chanceless against the chasing bunch.
9km remaining and the early escapees now face the same "destiny", as they're soon to be caught, desperately trying to launch a final attack.
Empty-handed, the three were caught just before the final lap.
Roy Sentjens (Nomadesk) already became famous with his late attacks and he continues his so-often-seen tactics today! Does he stand a chance with only 3.5km left?
And the answer is "no!", again. But his fans should love Sentjens' aggressive racing.
It's one for the sprinters and Rabobank leads the favorites to the final km: Daan Rijntjes opens the sprint for Theo Bos, with Van Poppel, Schinker and Vanderaerden right behind!
Just ahead of the last corner, Rijntjes did his work and the favorites battle for victory: Vanderaerden kicked early, Van Poppel and Bos are close behind, while Schinker's still waiting.
And here they come down the short stretch: It's still Vanderaerden in leading position and now Schinker got his wheel!
Keisse (Bodysol) and Weylandt (Lotto) also join the mix, while Bos seems to suffer.
But wait, he ain't done yet! It's going to be a very close finish between Vanderaerden, Van Poppel and Bos!
Schinker and Keisse would both need a super-human finishing kick to move forward though.
And actually, both Schinker and Keisse have super-strong finishes, especially Schinker, who fights for the win now!
But Van Poppel lungs in for the crucial final meter..
..and takes it! The start into the Crits Series couldn't have been better for Team UPC, as Boy Van Poppel sprints for the victory in Wateringen!
Nico Schinker had a great final kick for 2nd and Theo Bos recovered nicely for 3rd, beating Michael Vanderaerden and Iljo Keisse in a close photo-finish.
Free Agent Peter Möhlmann (Jo Piels), Kris Boeckmans, a rather disappointing Wouter Weylandt, young gun Wouter Wippert and Kenny Van Hummel complete the Top-10.
Theo Bos, co-winner of the Belgian Crits Series, is here to repeat his unexpected success. And as some prominent names (Abakoumov, Kip, Vingerling) decided to skip this Dutch Crits, he's definitely in good position.
Nico Schinker (3rd in Belgium), 
Michael Vanderaerden (5th), 
