"My second career starts today" – Emotional Toon Aerts breaks down after stunning European Championship victory

Tears flowed on the sand of Middelkerke as Toon Aerts produced one of the most emotional victories of his career, claiming the European Championship after a dramatic sprint finish against Thibau Nys. For the 32-year-old Belgian, the gold medal marked not just a comeback to winning ways, but the beginning of what he called his “second career”.

“This is unbelievable,” Aerts said moments after crossing the line. “My second career starts today. A lot has happened over the last few years. I didn’t expect everything to fall into place again.”

The race itself had been a nail-biter from start to finish. Aerts looked strong from the early laps, staying calm while others faltered in the treacherous sand. When Dutchman Pim Ronhaar attacked on the penultimate lap, the Belgian veteran bided his time, relying on experience rather than explosiveness. His patience paid off: a late mistake from Ronhaar opened the door, and Aerts sprinted past Nys in the final straight to seize the European title.

The result completes a remarkable redemption arc for Aerts, who returns to the top of the sport after several turbulent seasons away from the spotlight. His victory also restores Belgian pride at continental level after years of Dutch dominance — and sends a powerful message ahead of the World Championships later this winter.

“It hasn’t been an easy period,” he added, fighting back tears as the realisation of what he just achieved began to dawn on the experienced Belgian ace. “But this is why I’ve made all those sacrifices.”

Under grey skies and surrounded by roaring home fans, Aerts didn’t just win a race; he closed one chapter of his life and opened another. Few victories in cyclocross will carry such weight, or such raw emotion. Who says cyclocross needs the likes the likes of Wout van Aert, Mathieu van der Poel and Tom Pidcock?