"I think highly of Niels Vandeputte" - Niels Albert anticipates a surprise at Belgian cyclocross championiships

Without Wout van Aert, the battle for Belgian cyclocross title seems to be very much open. Cyclocross analyst and former world champion Niels Albert thinks anything may happen on Sunday, highlighting a great chance for riders who normally aren't winning on the big scene.

"Whoever wins, it will be half a surprise," Albert tells HLN. "Normally, you have a few strong guys who decide among themselves. But I don't see anyone like that right now."

"Eli Iserbyt would be the deserved champion based on his season, but unfortunately he fell ill at a very unfortunate moment and now he is a question mark. I don't know what to think about Vanthourenhout and Sweeck is not having his best season either."

And so, Albert looks into the deep field of riders, who could create a major upset in the Belgian circles. "Gianni Vermeersch could become a dangerous outsider, but I think most of Niels Vandeputte, who rides a very consistent season."