Eli Iserbyt has had trouble last week at the European Championships and has since been in doubt as to whether he's at his best level or not. Yesterday's race in Beekse Bergen was an opportunity to regain the confidence, but it was a very unusual race for the World Cup leader.
”I had some trouble getting into the rhythm because I was having trouble again. It was a long race for me," Iserbyt told Sporza after the 5th round of the World Cup. "I had a bad start and clicked out of my pedal. And in the forest it was very difficult to gain positions.”
The race was very dry and fast with it being very difficult to create gaps. Iserbyt rode in the middle of the chasing group throughout the race as 4 riders went clear, and towards the second half he began a chase himself, which would eventually see him just barely managing to bridge across to the leading group.
"In the end I can be happy with my performance, but the result remains a shame," he said. He arrived at the head of the race without the legs to keep the rhythm, and ended up riding into 5th, whilst his main rival Laurens Sweeck took the win and significantly shortened the points gap which is now of a mere 4 points after 5 races.
“I remain the leader, but it doesn't matter much anymore (the points difference, ed.). With nine races to go, it will be exciting," he said. With two consecutive World Cup wins Laurens Sweeck is now a very real threat to the Pauwels Sauzen - Bingoal's lead. Next weekend the riders will take on another round in Overijse.
Eli remains leader in the World Cup standings!🤘🏼🔴 Michael finishes 3️⃣rd on the podium after a strong race. Eli came in 5️⃣th at Beekse Bergen! Our other riders also managed to put in great performances: 8️⃣ Ryan 1️⃣4️⃣ Witse 3️⃣1️⃣ Lorenzo 📸 Photopress.be
