Eli Iserbyt regaining top form at X2O Trofee Herentals: "I felt right at home in Wout van Aert-land"

After battling hard to an impressive third-placed finish at the X20 Trofee Herentals, Eli Iserbyt is regaining some form at the perfect time with the Cyclocross World Championship on the horizon.

“I am happy with my podium finish in this nice atmosphere," Iserbyt said. "I felt right at home in Wout van Aert-land. It was really pleasant and I'm glad something like this is possible in this period. I was quite tired. Riding like a headless chicken after Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel, that was not an option today.”

With Iserbyt admitting himself that catching van Aert and van der Poel was not an option, his focus turned to keeping a hold of the third step of the podium from the man chasing him hard, Lars van der Haar, someone Iserbyt has plenty of praise for.

"Thanks to a course change, it was a bit faster than normal. I'm glad I finished ahead of Lars here as he is a tough customer. It's never easy to beat him in the last round," Iserbyt explains. "I always rode a little better up there and could make the difference on the climb. Lars is also having a very good season and is an established name. I'm glad I could beat him today."