"The goal is a place in the top three" - World Cup winner Michael Vanthourenhout admits CX World Championship might be out of reach

Although Michael Vanthourenhout couldn't secure himself victory on the day at World Cup Hoogerheide on Sunday afternoon, finishing 2nd to Mathieu van der Poel, the Belgian's second place did do enough to secure him a first ever overall World Cup victory.

“I dotted the i’s today and completely pulled the rankings towards me," reflected Vanthourenhout afterwards, having started the race 32 points clear of Toon Aerts in the overall standings and already almost secured of World Cup victory. "I could ride around freely, because I knew it was as good as a given.”

Given the Cyclocross World Championships take place next weekend in Lievin, Vanthourenhout can't let up just yet though. Up against the rampant Van der Poel though, the Belgian admits a Rainbow Jersey win might be unlikely. “It will probably be a very tough cross," he previews. "I hope to start with good legs, just like today. The goal is a place in the top three, but of course you never know at a one-day cross. The legs have to be good then too.”