"Online bullying is tolerated in Belgium" - Eli Iserbyt admits recent criticisms have affected him after cyclocross suspension

Putting the controversy of the past few weeks firmly behind him, Eli Iserbyt returned from a three race suspension to take a first victory of the season on Saturday afternoon at Exact Cross Heerderstrand.

Right from the starting gun Iserbyt rode as if he had a point to prove, taking charge at the front of the action and maintaining his position there throughout the race. Although the duo of Pim Ronhaar and Laurens Sweeck were able to put the pressure on in the mid-race laps, there was no stopping the Pauwels Sauzen - Bingoal star from taking the victory.

Post-race however, the Belgian was quick to deny any added impetus given what transpired a few weeks ago, when he was disqualified and subsequently suspended for stamping on the bike of rival Ryan Kamp. "Nah, I have no grudge. I just had my mind set on it, even though it was very difficult,” Iserbyt explained in his post-race interview. “Sweeck and Ronhaar really pushed, but I knew which sections were my thing. I tried to pace myself after that, but it was an hour full throttle.”

“I just had feelings of competition. It was also a course that suited me, although the sand riding went a bit better in the second half. I am satisfied with my race, although I think I will feel it tomorrow," he continues, eluding to the upcoming SuperPrestige. “These were short stretches of beach. That’s why it was important to slow down a bit and go through the sand fresh. In the end I only made one mistake. The fact that the stretches were limited was to my advantage. It’s the first race that I feel good this season. The first races didn’t come naturally, but now it’s really good. It’s always good to win for the first time.”

As he admitted to VTM though, the recent incident with Kamp has made an impact on Iserbyt. "I continued to train, with focus on that match," Iserbyt reveals. "Of course that is not easy, not simple. I did receive a lot of support, and with good people around you, you can do it. This is not only a victory for me, but also for the family, for everyone who continues to support me, also for the team. You always read those messages on social media, or you receive them. Consciously or unconsciously, via family or friends. That is of course not nice. It is also the job of the media to regulate that and take control. There are many campaigns against bullying, but online bullying is tolerated in Belgium. So this is a call to look at everything a little more and keep it under control.”