Pauwels Sauzen - Bingoal boss has big expectations of Eli Iserbyt: "I would like to win the rankings with him and be good at the championships"

Jurgen Mettepenningen was a satisfied man after the last two cyclocrosses in Gavere and Heusden-Zolder. His elite riders rode good races, which gives hope for the rest of the Christmas period. Now the full aim will be on Eli Iserbyt winning the regularity rankings, as Denise Betsema tries to fight her way to a podium in the remainder of this season.

"I still expect that Denise has the potential to compete in the top 5 and sometimes climb onto the podium herself," the Pauwels Sauzen - Bingoal boss tells WielerFlits. "I hope that she can confirm what she has now achieved in the coming weeks. That will also be necessary."

"Eli did a good job, he did his job perfectly. He just had to consolidate in view of the World Cup rankings. Now we have to try to keep Eli fresh. I would like to win the rankings with him and also be good at the championships. That's a difficult combination, but we want to try. The World Cup and Superprestige already look good for the rankings, Baal will be crucial for the X2O."

"Michael is doing well, he has recovered from his difficult shoulder injury. That shoulder isn't going to be 100% this season, but it's good enough. It's certainly not an excuse. I'm glad he's doing well again now. An additional percentage will have to be added towards the championships," said Mettepenningen.