"This feels like a victory to me" - Blanka Kata Vas after phenomenal second place in Hoogerheide

Blanka Kata Vas was the pleasant surprise of the Hoogerheide World Cup. The Hungarian from SD Worx - Protime fought for victory against Fem van Empel and Lucinda Brand, and ultimately ended the race in second place, behind Van Empel.

"I surprised myself a bit. This feels like a victory to me after having a lot of bad luck too. My top form is coming. Just in time and I am very happy with that," said Vas, who can shift her attention to the cyclocross World Championships in Tábor with great ambitions and a ton of extra motivation.

"I'm really looking forward to the World Championships. It's close to my home country and I expect a lot of fans from Hungary there. I can not wait for it."

The question is whether Vas will be able to beat the Dutch top favorites. "That is a difficult question. I have to wait for the right moment to beat them, but it is very important. The World Championships is always a big goal for me. I always want to be good there. Hopefully I'll be lucky and I can compete for the podium," she shares her ambitions rather modestly.