Alpecin-Deceuninck react to double podium at Rapencross Lokeren: "I am happy to bounce back and come second here"

Alpecin-Deceuninck had a great day out at the Rapencross Lokeren, as two of their riders made it to the podium behind the winner and European Champion, Thbiau Nys. Whilst Mathieu van der Poel sits on the sidelines for a little while longer, Niels Vandeputte and Jente Mitchels gave the Alpecin team plenty to cheer about.

Speaking to Wielerflits, Vandeputte said, “Eli Iserbyt was going for the seconds in the X2O classification, but I was able to hold my own at the front and led for half a lap. After that, the leading group got a bit bigger,” he said. “I made a mistake on a climb, which held up the rest. Thibau Nys and Laurens Sweeck got a gap because of that, and I lost a few positions myself.”

But Vandeputte didn’t let this mistake define his race, and clawed his way back to the podium. “That wasn’t an ideal situation, but I was able to move up later and get on the podium with Jente. With one and a half laps to go, I took the lead and that’s how I was able to secure second place.”

The 24 year old went on to discuss how good of a day it was for the team, as Jente Mitchels joined him on the podium. “Jente is even younger than me and still promising. It’s nice that I can get on the podium with him.”

The Superprestige in Niel is coming up on Monday, and this result has built plenty of confidence for Vandeputte, as the 24 year old Belgian said, “I have a positive feeling. Yesterday I was still riding in Rucphen. There I came fourth and I was not satisfied, but I am happy to bounce back and come second here. Tomorrow will be my third race of the weekend. I want to continue the positive line there and fight for the podium.”