Vanthourenhout pleased with Belgian Cyclo-cross Championships course: "More exciting for the viewers," Cant feels like a superstar

There was one important absentee during the recon of the Belgian Championship course by Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal. Defending champion Eli Iserbyt was missing from the preview of the course in Zolder. This was unexpected, as he would normally be present as the outgoing Belgian champion. The reason for his absence has now been clarified: Iserbyt is unwell. Vanthourenhout was there, and he noticed many positive aspects. On the other hand, Cant will not win the Belgian Cyclo-cross Championship for the first time in fifteen years(!).

According to team manager Jurgen Mettepenningen, Iserbyt has been dealing with health issues since the race in Dendermonde. "Eli is not here today because he became a bit ill after Dendermonde. He was already feeling off during that race," Mettepenningen told VTM NIEUWS. "On Monday, he woke up with stomach flu and took two days off to rest. Today was his first time training again, and we’re receiving positive signals. His participation on Sunday is certainly not in jeopardy," Mettepenningen assured.

Text continues below photo.

Iserbyt finished on the podium last weekend

Iserbyt has been having health problems all season

While being ill doesn’t rule out his participation, it’s far from ideal in terms of his preparation. The small cyclo-cross rider has been struggling with health problems for some time now. In late December, it was revealed that Iserbyt has been suffering from piriformis syndrome for two years. This nerve pain in his leg is something he feels daily, and so far, no solution has been found.

Despite Iserbyt's absence from the recon, Michael Vanthourenhout was present and noted a change in the course. "They have added a hill here and there and a dangerous descent. That makes it harder to stay close to another rider," he told Sporza.

The 31-year-old Belgian has been on the podium four times in the last six editions, which means he is a contender on Sunday. The rider was also happy to have seen the course beforehand. "I found the trip to Limburg helpful because I'm glad I've seen the course. Now I can already think about where I could try something."

Text continues below photo.

Vanthourenhout

Changes improve the race, and no large group to the finish line

Vanthourenhout is very familiar with the course in Heusden-Zolder, but some notable changes were made for the Belgian Championships. "It's better now. Not only for me but for the entire peloton. There's a bit more excitement in it, and that's also nice for the viewers." The Pauwels Sauzen-Cibel Clementines rider, therefore, anticipates an exciting race. "But we will not go with a big group to the last straight line, as it often is in Zolder."

Of course, Vanthourenhout pushes the favorite role off of himself. "Nys, Sweeck, and Vandeputte can handle this course perfectly. Hopefully, we can end that," said the 2023 winner.

Text continues below photo.

Cant feels like a superstar and 'trains' Pieterse

Defending champion Sanne Cant will not be at the start of the Belgian Championships on Saturday. She is doing so out of respect for the jersey. "If I were to win, that jersey wouldn't have been visible on the field for a year. And I don't want that. I do it out of respect for the jersey. Next season, someone else should be able to enjoy it," she told Sporza.

Fifteen times in a row, Cant won the Belgian Championships! Someone else in the tricolor will be a little awkward for everyone. "Usually, you have a stressful week where you try to rest and train correctly. Now, that is not the case. The farewell to the tricolor has begun, but I still train in my Belgian jersey. Why? I have no other choice: I have no other clothes," laughed the 34-year-old rider.

Soon, cyclo-cross fans will also have to say goodbye to the Crelan-Corendon rider. The Belgian is retiring at the end of the season. After the Oostmalle Closing Price, it is over. "I am now extremely enjoying my last races. I think the public does, too. It's like I'm riding around like a superstar on every course. It's nice that people sympathize so much."

Cant will not be absent on Saturday; she may take her place as an analyst with Sporza. Whether she will do that more often, she does not know yet. She thinks she will stick around as a trainer, like for Puck Pieterse. "I hope to contribute and pass on my knowledge to the youth. Not immediately as a team leader but as a trainer. For example, I have had more intensive contact with Puck Pieterse recently. We often scout together, and I feel I can even pass on things to such a top rider," Cant concludes.

Read also

Wout van Aert receives praise: "He could live in Monaco, and drive a red Ferrari"

Van Aert shows off blazing KOM on Strava and unveils his program: "Flanders, Roubaix, Tour de France and Giro"

📸Will it be a snowplowing contest at the Belgian National Cyclo-cross Championship? Heusden-Zolder currently covered in snow

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Get every week the latest news about CYCLING in your inbox!

Subscribe