Jente Michels takes U23 European title, after his opponent gets unlucky flat tire: "It's a shame that the race had to be decided like this, but I think I was the strongest"

It is undoubtedly the highlight of Jente Michels' short career so far: the Belgian became the U23 European cyclo-cross champion, beating his compatriot Emiel Verstrynge. Michels expressed his happiness afterwards in the flash interview.

"It was a difficult race, it was nice to do it with Emiel, because he is a good friend of mine," he said about last year's European champion, whom he managed to beat in the final lap, where he rode away.

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"I think he got a flat tire. It's a shame that the race had to be decided like this, but I think I was the strongest in the end. I'm very happy with the win," said the 20-year-old rider.

For Michels, everything went according to plan. "This means a lot to me. Something always happens at a championship, but today was perfect. My legs were good, everything went smoothly. It is my first victory in a championship. This jersey means a lot to me," concluded the rider of Alpecin-Deceuninck.

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