"Lars is in good shape and Namur is a track for him" - Iserbyt doubtful towards European Championships

Pauwels Sauzen - Bingoal were in a very tight and dramatic battle with Lars van der Haar yesterday at the Koppenbergcross, one where the Dutchman emerged victorious. Iserbyt has recognized van der Haar was superior.

"We are riding a good race as a team, but Lars was one percent better today," Iserbyt told Sporza after the finish. "Michael [Vanthourenhout] had to do a lot of work during the cross and that is also the reason why he stopped on the last climb. That's a shame, but Lars was just a bit more explosive today and you definitely need that on this course."

After the mid-race moves which saw Iserbyt and van der Haar ride away from the rest of the field, the first round of the X2O Badkamers Trofee saw a dramatic battles with crashes and mechanicals from both. Michael Vanthourenhout aswell joined the duo, and went into the final ascent of the Koppenberg with a large lead, that seemed to be enough for the win.

However, that wasn't to be the case. "I was actually hoping that Michael had a gear in his legs, but we saw him stop," Iserbyt continued. Van der Haar launched an acceleration up the climb, one which the leader of the World Cup could not respond to. “The rider with the best final shot wins. Lars is the deserved winner. It was a very nice race and it was exciting for us too.”

Due to bonifications obtained earlier in the race however, Iserbyt and van der Haar emerge out of the first round tied in time. This weekend will be an important one, with the European championships in another climbing-heavy circuit, this time in Namur - where van der Haar will seek to defend his title.

“Lars is in good shape and Namur is a track for him. I think he is the top favourite. It has been difficult for me in Namur in recent years. I therefore go to the European Championship with a less certain feeling," Iserbyt concluded.