Gianni Vermeersch surprises himself with first cyclocross podium of the season: "I didn't expect to be able to be at the podium today"

Gianni Vermeersch took his first podium of this cyclocross season in Loenhout. In Mol and Herentals, Mathieu van der Poel's teammate was already doing well with two top 10 results. The Alpecin-Deceuninck rider also exceeded his own expectations.

"I am absolutely amazed,¨" Vermeersch opens in the flash interview after the finish. "I didn't expect to be able to claim the podium today. There were a few top guys not at the start, so I wanted to put in a good performance. I was just a little sick this week so we had to wait and see. Still, I was good enough for a podium today."

Food poisoning earlier this week did not stop the Belgian from competing in Loenhout four days later. Vermeersch thinks the good performance is due to a new approach to cross-country this year. "I have done more cross-training specifically with the team, with Christophe Roodhooft, and that is paying off. Last year I had not done any cross training and that caused quite a few disappointments. Now I can wipe away the disappointment of last year."

Finally, Vermeersch discusses his ambitions for the Belgian championship in Meulebeke. "I'm especially looking forward to it. Last time I came fifth or sixth and I'm in good shape now. So I hope for a good result."