Wout Van Aert gains Thijs Zonneveld's respect with a honest post-Dwars reaction: "As bad as he sprinted, that's how good his interview was"

The iconic 2015 edition of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad was revived this Wednesday with different protagonists at Dwars door Vlaanderen. Starring in main roles: Neilson Powless as Ian Stannard and Visma | Lease a Bike as Etixx - Quick Step. Belgian fans would have tears in their eyes again as Wout Van Aert couldn't deliver in the final sprint due to cramps.

The 30-year-old took all the blame on himself after the race, something that is applauded by journalist Thijs Zonneveld: "Holy shit! What a fantastic interview Wout van Aert gave after the finish. As bad as he sprinted, that's how good his interview was. It was one of the best interviews of athletes I've ever seen," says Zonneveld in his podcast In de Waaier.

Zonneveld especially praises Van Aert's honesty after the blow out: "A few minutes after the race, he takes full responsibility. I think it's very special because athletes are happy to be in front of the camera when things are going well, but not when things are going badly. And certainly not when they have messed it up themselves."

Zonneveld continues about the mental blow this is for Wout van Aert and his team. "It's so bad because this wasn't just a race. This should have been the race where they gained confidence. And instead, it's all about this now and it's a huge blow. All energy and morale is gone in an instant. Most footballers or tennis players would walk away after such an extreme disappointment or say: not now."

Zonneveld thinks that many other athletes would have told a different story after such a race. "It would have made perfect sense if he had been a bit defensive and highlighted the positive aspects. But instead, he is heartbreakingly honest and puts his finger on the sore spot. The fact that he said that he was thinking about himself for once touched my heart."