"I certainly hope to return to Val di Sole" - Joran Wyseure enjoyed his first snow-cross, claiming premiere World Cup podium

A great success for Joran Wyseure on Sunday's World Cup round of Val di Sole. The 22-year-old Belgian achieved his first World Cup podium among the elites, leaving behind some respectable opponents, such as Michael Vanthourenhout, Eli Iserbyt and Laurens Sweeck.

"I am very happy, especially during my first time on snow," he laughs after the race. "This is a very nice feeling. I often fell into the reconnaissance, but rode with a lot of confidence in the race. I rode a very good race technically. I am extremely pleased with this. I wouldn't have dared to hope for this, even though I was already fourth in Dublin. I certainly hope to return to Val di Sole."

The youngster from Crelan-Corendon opened a gap to Vanthourenhout, Iserbyt and Sweeck in the second half of the snow cross. "It was a strong field, it's still a World Cup after all. And the trail was very treacherous. Very slippery and with a lot of ice."

"My start wasn't very good, but I went around the outside well in the first corner and was able to move up places. After that I rode at my own pace the entire time and moved up where possible. That's how I rode the perfect race," said Wyseure. "I try to perform as well as I can every weekend. I am doing well and have already finished top 10 in the World Cup several times. We'll see what comes next."