Season revelation Vandeputte thanks Alpecin-Deceuninck and girlfriend Kastelijn: "She plays an important role"

Third, second, second, fourth, fourth, fourth, second, and now in Niel third after winner Laurens Sweeck and Felipe Orts: Vandeputte hasn't been absent in the front rankings this cyclo-cross winter. The 24-year-old Belgian is building on his strong finish last winter when he claimed victories in Lille and Oostmalle.

"I think I rode consistently in those races and didn't make many mistakes. Then that leader position is a nice reward, I think."

"Gosh, in the first half, I did. It was a very treacherous course. Laurens only had to make one mistake, and then I could have closed the gap, but he showed that he was fit. He rode flawlessly, and he was the well-deserved winner.

I personally would have liked to keep second place, but I had opted for Grifo tires. That was good throughout the race until it started raining. Maybe I should have decided sooner to change there, but I didn't do that. Perhaps I would have been slightly closer, but I'm still satisfied with my performance."

"I just had a perfect summer. No injuries or illnesses, nothing I could complain about... I've been able to do what I needed to, which has allowed me to start the season in top condition and maintain it. As long as it lasts, I'm delighted."

"That's hard to say. Maybe I've gotten stronger, but I'm always motivated at the end of the season anyway. There are still races close to where I live that suit me well, while others may already dare to take it more easily or be less motivated. However, the past few weekends show I've just grown as a rider."

"That makes it fun but also not easy. I've been second and third quite a few times now, quite often with another rider in front of me. Hopefully, I can cross the finish line with my hands in the air again in the coming weeks, but I need a good day."

"I had a feeling it was in there for some time, but then it's still something to let it come out, especially so steadily. It's not surprising, but it's, in any case, a reward for all the hard work last summer and now."

"They make it a lot of fun. Take the cross of Lokeren, where I was in the front with Jente Michels. That makes it fun for me because he is the only teammate competing full-time. To then ride together against other duos is just cool. Nice tactical races are coming up, and then more people will come to watch."

Last question: you are together with Dutch cyclist Yara Kastelijn, who rides for Fenix-Deceuninck. What is her role?

"She plays an important role. She is my person of trust and with whom I can share everything. When things are going well, but also when things are going less well. I am very grateful for that, and I try to return the same favor to her in the summer, so I think we complement each other well that way and bring out the best in each other."