Gianni Vermeersch grabs his first cross podium since 2020: "Last year it was an effort to reach the top 15. That's a good promise"

In Loenhout, Gianni Vermeersch was the closest pursuer of his teammate Mathieu van der Poel. The 31-year-old Vermeersch secured his first cross podium since Otegem in 2020.

"Crossing is mainly a method to keep myself busy in the winter," says Vermeersch afterwards. "It's not that I have a lot of ambition, or start with a specific goal. But when you are at the start, you also try to get the most out of it. Last year it was an effort to reach the top 15, this year it was a podium finish. That's a good promise."

Vermeersch took a different approach. "I still almost always train on the road, but I have already attended the team's Wednesday training three or four times. That is now paying off. Last year I didn't do that at all, and then I noticed that I was technically a disaster. While I already felt from the first cross in Herentals that I am technically much better than then. The condition is also very good."

The Belgian's goals are already clear on the road. "I have a lot of ambition. Last year it was a very nice spring with the team, we hope to achieve that again. But hopefully also with a result for myself. I ride for Mathieu in most races, but not all. Maybe I can grab a chance few times."