The first title fight on the North Sea beach turned into an unadulterated duel between Belgium and the Netherlands
5 Belgians and 3 orange shirts created a lovely picture along the coastline. In the front, it was not defending champion Ryan Kamp, but his fellow countryman Pim Ronhaar who led the debates. Kamp tumbled in the sullen sand, while specialist Vandeputte drove himself down. Ronhaar smelled his chance after 2 rounds and suddenly broke through for 7 seconds. Kielich and Vandebosch are doing all they can to keep the Dutchman in their sights. Belgian Verstrynge provided the surprise of the day. The 18-year-old spring chick had started poorly, but halfway through it suddenly took up position in the group that competed for place 2. Ronhaar systematically expanded his sandcastle in the front. Kielich, Verstrynge, and Kamp had to divide the other medals among themselves. Ronhaar was crowned the first world champion in Oostende with a small lead. Defending champion Kamp makes it a one-two for the Netherlands by finishing 2nd. In the battle for place 3rd, Kielich got the better of Verstrynge. Toon Vandebosch completed the top 5.
Gold : Pim Ronhaar (Ned) the 17.5km in 49’47” (6 laps)
Silver: Ryan Kamp (Ned) @ 8″
Bronze: Timo Kielich (Bel) @14″
4. Emiel Verstrynge (Bel) @19″
5. Toon Vandebosch (Bel) @31″
6. Mees Hendrikx (Ned) @33″
7. Anton Ferdinande (Bel) @55″
8. Niels Vandeputte (Bel) @1’01”
9. Ben Turner (GB) @1’20”
10. Tim Van Dijke (NL) @1’21”
