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He had to wait a long time, but two months after his European championship title in Pontchâteau, Michael Vanthourenhout was able to make the winning gesture again. The European champion won single-handedly in Gullegem. Cameron Mason, Joran Wyseure and Thibau Nys took the closest places of honor.
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Due to Tom Pidcock’s failure, the organization had to do without drivers from the Big Three in Gullegem. It opened up perspectives for the top players in the second row, who could once again fight for victory.
On a very difficult route, which was affected by last week’s heavy rain, the expected names got off to a good start. Thibau Nys, Michael Vanthourenhout, Gianni Vermeersch and Joran Wyseure were all present.
Nys, who has not shown any regularity in his performances in recent weeks, once again had his sights set on a top performance. The young talent started energetically and caused damage, only Vanthourenhout kept up smoothly.
A little later, the latter went through a lot alone. He systematically expanded his lead with powerful lumbar pulls; the European champion felt at home in the mud. Meanwhile, Nys and Wyseure were pushed into the background by an excellent Cameron Mason.
At the top, Vanthourenhout didn’t let up for a second, he secured his second victory this winter and seems to be well prepared for the upcoming championships. Mason took a good second place, Wyseure ultimately trumped Nys in the exciting battle for third place.
Vanthourenhout: “It will be an open BC: no one stands out”
“That’s really nice,” said winner Vanthourenhout enthusiastically. “The season hasn’t gone as I expected. In the last few weeks it was also difficult to really take part in the final with Van der Poel and Van Aert.”
“It’s only my second win this season. I would have liked to have been on the podium more often with this European jersey, but oh well. The standard is very high this season. I’m glad I can now get the good feeling again.”
What does Vanthourenhout expect from next week’s Belgian championship? “An open game. Nobody really stands out. Eli Iserbyt has long been the man to beat, but with his illness he is now also a question mark. But we have two cards in our team, we have to play them.”
I’m really looking forward to it, but I’m not really busy with the BC.
Thibau Nys
Thibau Nys fought for the podium for a long time, but narrowly failed. “It was a tough race and I made a few too many mistakes. I had the feeling that a podium place was definitely possible, but in the end three was better.”
After difficult weeks in which he struggled with fatigue, Nys is gradually coming back to the surface. “Fatigue is a strong word. Things are going quite well now. In the last few weeks everything outside of Koksijde has been on an upward trend.”
“Is there an explanation for this decline in form? Everything just has to fit. Finding the balance between training and rest is something I’m still learning every day. The Belgian championship? I look forward with great enthusiasm. But I’m not really excited about it.
Phase by phase
After an exciting duel, it is Wyseure who takes the podium. Nys crosses the finish line in fourth place. Loockx completed the top five a little later.
Vanthourenhout can celebrate!
For the first time since November, Vanthourenhout can make the victory gesture again. A boost as the championships are in sight. Mason is close behind.
Nys now takes Wyseure a few lengths away. Will he take the final podium spot?
Vanthourenhout can already enjoy being at the front. The European champion smiles as he walks past some enthusiastic fans.
Nys and Wyseurs continue to bombard each other, but to no avail. Will they sprint?
In the background, the old fox Zdenek Stybar jokes around with the audience for a while. The Czech falls headfirst into the sandpit and greets the crowd with a bow.
The bell rings
The sole leader Vanthourenhout starts his last lap. The European champion still has a good 20 seconds lead over Mason and seems confident of victory.
The fight for third place is more exciting because Wyseurs and Nys can’t get rid of each other.
Nys caught Wyseure again in the fight for third place. Mason is now out of sight.
Vanthourenhout doesn’t have to waste a second on Mason. The Brit’s lead in Wyseure is still around five seconds. Nys follows ten meters ahead of third place.
Vanthourenhout is on the way to victory.
Easter is still a long way off, but Nys goes down for the first time in round five. Without too many problems, although he still has to close a gap at Wyseure.
Vanthouren wood still exudes a lot of power, but Mason’s head still looks strong too. The British champion drives a little further away from Wyseure and Nys, who appear to be fighting for third place.
Mason crosses the finish line 25 seconds ahead of Vanthourenhout. Wyseure and Nys follow half a minute behind the leader, Vermeersch had to take over again.
Strengthen Mason
Cameron Mason now really picks up speed and drives away from his pursuers. The gap to Vanthourenhout is still large, but nothing has been decided with more than three laps to go.
Nys now seems to have to play the role of Wyseur and Mason too. Vanthourenhout steams ahead undisturbed at the front. The clock already shows a lead of 17 seconds.
12″
Vanthourenhout seems to be the strongest and is quickly 12 seconds ahead of Nys and Wyseure. The latter two are now joined by Cameron Mason, who is making up the gap excellently.
Vanthourenhout evaporates
Vanthourenhout almost silently gains a lead over Nys and Wyseure. The European champion looks back and adds another layer. It quickly reaches 5 seconds.
Mason has also joined Vermeersch and Loockx. They seem to be gradually closing the gap to the top three.
Acceleration Nys
Thibau Nys senses that people are coming from the background and accelerates forward. Vanthourenhout switches on, Wyseure has to leave a small gap.
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