Michael Vanthourenhout has already become European champion twice in his career and is hunting today for a third white-blue star jersey, but, at first glance, the course in Middelkerke does not seem ideal for him.
The circuit in Middelkerke is particularly suited for sand specialists, which Vanthourenhout is not immediately counted among. "It suits me a bit less, but it won’t be a pure sand race," he remarks in an interview with Sporza. "That could actually play to my advantage."
On top of that, unlike many other contenders, Vanthourenhout knows what it takes to claim a European title. "Last year, it didn’t work out, but that only adds extra motivation. [...] Winning a championship is never easy, but this one is without Mathieu van der Poel. It might just be the easiest to win."
Good start
However, Vanthourenhout will need to get off to a strong start, which hasn’t always been the case in recent weeks. According to him, a good start is crucial on the Middelkerke course.
"Three years ago at the Belgian Championships I started very poorly here. After that, I never saw the front of the race again. That’s why I need to come out of the blocks well now. After forty minutes, the strongest riders will come forward, hopefully I will be among them."
Toon Aerts
Michael Vanthourenhout is not the only former European champion at the start. Toon Aerts, the 2016 winner (in Pontchâteau, France), is also competing. What can we expect from the Belgian nine years later?
Aerts is the very definition of consistency but has only managed to win once this season at the Kermiscross in Ardooie. "I am definitely craving a big win," admits the Deschacht-Hens rider to Het Nieuwsblad. "After my victory in Ardooie, I thought I could be in the fight for the podium in the following weeks, but it didn’t always go as hoped."
"In Ruddervoorde I fell in the last corner, in Overijse I fell in the first. The Koppenberg was disappointing, Lokeren was better. Hopefully, I can finally make a big move. Last week I took it a bit easier in the hope of being fresh on Sunday."
