Vanthourenhout calls 3rd place at Antwerp World Cup "highest possible" finish behind van Aert & van der Poel

After finishing 3rd behind Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel at the Antwerp World Cup event Michael Vanthourenhout was more than content with a podium finish. "Third was therefore the highest possible. I am happy with that."

The reigning European Champion spoke post-race on the difference between him and the two cycling superstars' performance on the crosses. "I have never ridden so well through the sand. I am very satisfied with this. Wout also encountered himself, but his basic pace was too high. I tried to follow him, but I made a mistake."

A third-placed finish was also a positive for Vanthourenhout. Only Eli Iserbyt and Laurens Sweeck are now above him in the World Cup standings. "My season has been very good so far. Tomorrow I'm going to Spain for two weeks. It's good to get some exercise. But I am also looking forward to Dublin, Val di Sole and the Belgian Championship after that.”