Laurens Sweeck climbs to podium in Maasmechelen, but looked for more: "Two flat tires was a bit too much"

Laurens Sweeck is getting into better shape after his injury at the start of the season, and he reached the podium in the Maasmechelen World Cup on Sunday. The Belgian rider crossed the finish line in third place behind winner Lars van der Haar and Eli Iserbyt. Perhaps there could have been more, because Sweeck was not spared from bad luck along the way.

"Two flat tires was a bit too much," Sweeck said in a flash interview afterwards. "I had a good day, but had to start from the second row. Moreover, everyone started fast and it was difficult to move up places quickly. Shortly afterwards I had my first flat tire. When I was finally in second position, things went wrong again. That second flat tire was a bit too much."

Last year Sweeck won the cyclocross in Maasmechelen and despite the bad luck he performed well again this year. The course certainly suits him. "Yes, that's right, but it was mainly the good feeling that brought me to this result. Yesterday I was already strong. I see that as a good sign and am looking forward to next weekend." Then on Sunday the men will compete in the European Championships in Pontchâteau, France. "I hope to continue the upward trend and then compete for the win next week."

Sweeck does not dare to say that he would have won without bad luck. "Others were not spared either. Lars also had a puncture once. I think he was the strongest in the race, but I don't know whether he could have outpaced me," Sweeck had seen a chance for victory. "With my poor start I had to constantly chase."