On October 16, 2026, day three of the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Shanghai, China, Belgian rider Jules Hesters contested the men’s points race during the evening session, Sporza reported. As reported, the evening program began at 11.05.

Jules Hesters chases early points in Shanghai

Entering the men’s points race, Jules Hesters faced a high-speed battle at the Shanghai venue, according to Sporza’s live coverage. The format features sprints every 10 laps awarding 5, 3, 2, and 1 points, alongside a 20-point bonus for gaining a lap on the main field. Sporza cycling analyst Renaat Schotte noted during the broadcast that the pace forced Hesters into pursuit efforts while other contenders moved at the front of the pack.

Lotte Kopecky climbs standings after scratch race drama

Earlier in the day’s proceedings, compatriot Lotte Kopecky navigated a turbulent women’s omnium event approximately 18 hours after securing a world title in the elimination race. Kopecky escaped the incident from the rear of the pack but finished 16th, losing early ground to Japanese winner Tsuyaka Uchino. In the subsequent temporace, Kopecky rebounded by attacking, collecting single lap points, and securing a late lap gain to climb to seventh overall with 48 points heading into the final events.

Jonathan Milan smashes world record in individual pursuit

In the men’s individual pursuit qualifications, 19-year-old Belgian debutant Witse Bertels finished 15th with a time of 4’08″783 over four kilometers, holding off a late challenge from American competitor Ashlin Barry. Meanwhile, Italian powerhouse Jonathan Milan electrified the Shanghai velodrome by clocking a sensational 3’58″850, breaking his own world record on the sea-level track. Milan surpassed reigning European champion Lev Gonov on his way to the top qualifying spot, setting up a gold-medal showdown against Denmark’s Frederik Madsen.

Gianluca Pollefliet misses time trial final

Opening the day’s competition for the Belgian delegation, 24-year-old Gianluca Pollefliet contested the men’s one-kilometer time trial qualifications. Pollefliet recorded a time of 1’02″390, finishing 22nd overall among 28 participants. The performance remained clear of the 1’00″217 threshold required to advance to the evening’s top-eight final, where Dutch rider Jeffrey Hoogland posted the fastest qualifying mark of 58″680, according to race records cited by Sporza and Headliner.

Evening session schedule and upcoming events

Competition at the Shanghai World Championships continues through the evening with remaining medal events on the day three schedule. The evening session features the conclusion of the men’s points race with Jules Hesters, alongside the women’s sprint semifinals and finals, the men’s time trial and individual pursuit finals, and the deciding events of the women’s omnium featuring Lotte Kopecky.