Michael Vanthourenhout third at National Championships despite stomach flu: "I certainly didn't expect to play a role up front, so in that respect I am very satisfied"

Michael Vanthourenhout has not managed to extend his Belgian title. But it was still a beautiful day for the Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal rider, because he saw his teammate Eli Iserbyt take the victory and also finished third himself.

"I already knew before the cross that it was an Eli course, so it's nice that the jersey remains in the team," said the European champion. "He was the best today, I think. I think Joran also had a very good day. He also took initiative at the beginning of the race. But you felt that things were going faster when Eli took over on the straights. Then you also saw that he eventually built up a big lead."

Vanthourenhout himself finished in third place after a duel with Wyseure. "This is very important to me. I've kept it quiet for a while, but since Wednesday I've had some stomach flu. I was at the start here with a lot of doubts. I certainly didn't expect to play a role up front, so in that respect I am very satisfied. I surprised myself. Last night it was not yet certain that I would be at the start."

"It went well and it turned out to be a very nice day for the team. It is important that Eli won and that we will be at the start next year with two very nice jerseys," he concluded.