VIDEO INTERVIEW: Laura Verdonschot proud of Belgian efforts at women's European Championship 2024 - "I think we can be happy with 6th and 7th"

After a thrilling fight for the title, Fem van Empel emerged as the European Champion on Sunday afternoon in Pontevedra, Spain. For Belgian hopeful Laura Verdonschot, it was a 7th placed finish.

Speaking to CyclingUpToDate post-race in an exclusive interview , Verdonschot gave her immediate thoughts. "Before I had hoped for a top 10 so I am happy with 7th place today," she smiled afterwards, also full of praise for compatriot Alicia Franck, who crossed the line just ahead of Verdonschot herself in 6th place. "She was very strong. On the final we here a two together and although we lost in the fight for 4th and 5th place, I think we can be happy with 6th and 7th."

As the European Championship comes early in the cyclocross calendar, there is still much to work towards for Verdonschot in the remainder of the winter. "I just want a consistent season and to compete for the National Championships and the World Championships. They are the main goals for the remainder of the season."