Inge van der Heijden completes the podium in Gullegem: "When Zoe switched to a bigger gear and I really couldn't respond"

Crelan-Corendon was well represented at the front of the Hexia Cross Gullegem, but winning was not an option against Zoe Backstedt who thrived in the Belgian mud. Inge van der Heijden, who came third behind her teammate Manon Bakker, gave a short interview afterwards.

Van der Heijden was off to a good start, she thinks. "The first lap also went very well. I was able to maintain that pace for a while, but in the fourth lap I found myself somewhat disappointed. Zoe switched to a bigger gear and I really couldn't respond to that. But overall I am satisfied with a third place on this course."

"I could only pedal at one pace, not really speed up. I don't think it was a wrong choice to immediately take the lead. But yes, these courses just don't suit me very well. I am quite satisfied with the result."

It gives Van der Heijden extra courage that she is on the podium on such a course. "I get the feeling that I am doing better and better. That is positive and I will take it with me to the next races."