Emiel Verstrynge "very happy with this European jersey"

In Namur, Emiel Verstrynge won the European Cyclocross Championship for U23 men. He overtook Pim Ronhaar in the last lap and surprised everyone with a victory. This is his second victory of the season.

Ronhaar seemed poised to win the European title on his own, but Verstrynge joined him on the final lap. In the latter half of the cross, Emiel Verstrynge gained some lead and the race ended in a real thriller.

Verstrynge shared a few words after his big achievement. “I did feel some pressure before the start of the cross. After all, last year's World Cup was a big disappointment. This was the first goal of the new season, and then to finish it like this is really great. I can now forget my second place at the past World Championships," said Verstrynge.

His last cyclocross victory came at the start of the season at International Cyclo Cross Bad Salzdetfurth. It's a big deal for him, and he's very proud of it. "I am very happy with this European jersey. It does me a lot. It hasn't quite sunk in yet, but it will soon. I can be proud of myself, it's really incredible," concluded the Belgian rider.