Eli Iserbyt compliments his teammate, the new European champion, Michael Vanthourenhout: "We have taken full advantage of his strength"

Eli Iserbyt started as one of the big favorites at the European Cyclo-Cross Championships in Pontchâteau, but the 26-year-old Belgian did not really take on a major role in the race. Iserbyt eventually crossed the finish line in sixth place, but afterwards he was especially happy for his compatriot and teammate Michael Vanthourenhout.

"I therefore devoted my race to Michael. He gave a good impression. We discussed it in the first laps," Iserbyt began his story afterwards in an interview with Sporza. "We have taken full advantage of his strength. I'm glad he was able to finish it off."

"He certainly didn't steal it, because I quickly saw that Michael was the better one. Especially in these circumstances. The Belgian team has done a very good job, just like Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal," Iserbyt believes.

"It's a shame that I had a puncture during the cross, but oh well. I am especially happy that Michael takes the jersey today. It was a very tough cross, especially because of the many rain showers. The course changed constantly, but that is secondary. It's about that European jersey, that's what counts."