"It is a bit unexpected" - Laurens Sweeck dominates from start to finish at Jaarmarktcross Niel

Laurens Sweeck was the best of the bunch on Monday afternoon at Superprestige Jaarmarktcross Niel. The Belgian held off a late charge from Spanish national champion Felipe Orts to take his second win of the season. 

Making a big effort to get ahead early, Sweeck surged clear in the opening few laps and held that position at the front of the race for the entirety. “In the beginning, I didn’t really put pressure on it. I just tried to find a good rhythm, tackle the obstacles well and get into a flow. That actually worked out pretty quickly," reflected the Crelan-Corendon star in his post-race interview. 

Even a mid race downpour couldn't dampen Sweeck's joy. "I didn't start doubting when it started raining. But you do start to get tired and then it starts to get treacherous. The mistakes did creep in. It was good that it was only in the last lap," he says of the difficult conditions. "I think I made pretty good turns in the sandbox. It could also work out well for me.”

As mentioned, it's now a duo of victories this winter for the 30-year-old. "It is usually a good period in the season for me,” he concludes. "Yesterday, I really suffered. Today too, of course, but it went a bit better. I didn't expect to be in the lead here from start to finish. It is difficult to ride in a group on this course, but it is a bit unexpected."