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Monday, January 22, 2024, 11:41 a.m
It remains to be seen whether Belgium will be able to enter the Cyclo-Cross World Championships with eight or nine riders, but Sven Vanthourenhout has already announced his (nine-man) selection. The Belgian national coach relies on Eli Iserbyt and Michael Vanthourenhout (who also leads the team relay) in Tábor. The main question was who would fill the possible ninth and final spot. This eventually became Witse Meeussen.
As the front runner in the country rankings, Belgium can definitely count on seven starting places. National coach Vanthourenhout can probably share two additional places, as they are automatically qualified for the global title fight thanks to Michael Vanthourenhout’s European title and – if all goes well – Eli Iserbyt’s World Cup win. Iserbyt senses a victory in the World Cup. Only Joris Nieuwenhuis can dethrone him, but then the Dutchman has to win the last round in Hoogerheide and Iserbyt can get a maximum of six points there.
As far as a selection place for the World Cup is concerned, it was already clear that Joran Wyseure, Niels Vandeputte, Thibau Nys and Laurens Sweeck can rest assured. Her level of form in the last few weeks was enough for a place in the team. The experienced Jens Adams and Toon Vandebosch weren’t sure yet, but they seemed to have great chances. And in fact, Vanthourenhout also selected her for the World Cup. Vandebosch also held his own in the Benidorm World Cup with a sixth place.
Witse Meeussen could finish ninth
That left the fight for ninth and final place. Three drivers seemed to have a chance on paper: Witse Meeussen, Thijs Aerts and Lander Loockx. The choice fell on Meeussen, it now seems. The 22-year-old rider from Crelan-Corendon suffered a retirement at the Belgian championship in Meulebeke, but finished fourteenth at the Benidorm World Cup.
Elite Women, Promised Men and Team Relay
Among the elite women, Sanne Cant, Alicia Franck, Marion Norbert Riberolle and Laura Verdonschot will represent Belgium. The promising team consists of eight riders, including three favorites for the rainbow jersey: Ward Huybs, Jente Michels and Emiel Verstrynge.
Vanthourenhout also announced the team for the team relay. Michael Vanthourenhout and Sanne Cant start here as elite drivers. The six also consists of Shanyl De Schoesitter, Julie Brouwers, Arthur Van Den Boer and Ward Huybs.
Belgian selection for the World Cup in Tábor (February 4)
Elite man
Michael Vanthourenhout – still qualified as European champions
Eli Iserbyt – probably qualified as a World Cup winner
Laurens Sweeck
Niels Vandeputte
Thibau Nys
Joran Wyseur
Toon Vandebosch
Jens Adams
Witse Meeussen – if Eli Iserbyt wins the final standings of the World Championship
Elite women
True Cant
Alicia Franck
Marion Norbert Riberolle
Laura Verdonschot
Promise men
Arne Baers
Yordi Corsus
Aaron Dockx
Ward Huybs
Yorben Lauryssen
Girls Michels
Victor Van De Putte
Emiel Verstrynge
Promise the women
Julie Brewers
Fleur Moors
Xaydee Van Sinaey
The junior man
Senn Boassaerts
Arthur Van Den Boer
Mats Vanden Eynde
juniors
Shanyl De Schoesitter
Sanne Laurijssen
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