"I just couldn't really make a difference anywhere" - Vanthourenhout settles with third in Beekse Bergen

At the Beekse Bergen World Cup cross on Sunday, Michael Vanthourenhout finished third. The European champion once again couldn’t challenge Lars van der Haar and Laurens Sweeck in the final lap.

"With all the corners, it was hard to make the difference," he told WielerFlits. On Friday, also he only managed to take the bronze. "I felt good, even slightly better than in Niel. I just couldn't really make a difference anywhere on this fast course. Then I knew it would be difficult with Laurens and Lars those are two very fast men," said Vanthourenhout.

During the race, he dominated the front group and spent most of the time there. In the last lap, Sweeck and Van der Haar attacked, but Vanthourenhout failed to match their timing. "I didn't expect Laurens to attack right away. I was surprised that he came and there was no one in his wheel. I then tried but felt it was over. I am happy to be on the podium. The condition is still good," concluded Vanthourenhout.