It could also speak French on the elite 2 podium, with Clément Horny, three victories in category 2 this season, who will have a good card to play among the “without contract”. Among the elite men, like this great season as a whole, there will be many candidates for victory. Especially since there are questions about the state of form of the outgoing winner, Eli Iserbyt, reduced by a stomach flu at the start of the season. He also skipped reconnaissance of the route on Wednesday. His teammate Michaël Vanthourenhoiut, Belgian champion two years ago, has not been at his best recently either. “I don’t consider myself a favorite.”he announced this week.
A role that he willingly ceded to Laurens Sweeck within a Crelan-Corendon team well reinforced by the two young Emiel Verstrynge and Joran Wiseure. Laurens Sweeck is the most prolific Belgian this season with five victories. One more success than the Iserbyt-Vanthourenhout duo and two more than Thibau Nys.
Sven Nys’ son is the other big favorite. Especially since he is not completely satisfied with his season. Marked by highs, including his title of European champion, and lows, like this irregularity which pursues him. “I wanted to win more this season. If I win this Sunday, that will not allow me to consider this season perfect. The course offered in Heusden-Zolder is ideal for a championship: it does not suit anyone perfectly, but does not disadvantage a competitor either.”
The program
SATURDAY : Junior ladies at 11:00 a.m., junior men at 1:45 p.m., hopeful ladies and elite ladies at 3:15 p.m.
-Sunday : Men’s hopefuls at 1:45 p.m., men’s elite at 3:15 p.m.
The last winners
2024: Eli Iserbyt. 2023: Michaël Vanthourenhout. 2022: Wout van Aert. 2021: Wout van Aert. 2020: Laurens Sweeck. 2019: Toon Aerts. 2018: Wout Van Aert. 2017: Wout Van Aert. 2016: Wout Van Aert. 2015: Klaas Vantornout. 2014: Sven Nys. 2013: Klaas Vantornout. 2012: Sven Nys. 2011: Niels Albert. 2010: Sven Nys. 2009: Sven Nys. 2008: Sven Nys. 2007: Bart Wellens.2006: Sven Nys. 2005: Sven Nys. 2004: Bart Wellens. 2003: Sven Nys. 2002: Mario De Clerq. 2001: Mario De Clercq. 2000: Sven Nys.
The record holders and record women: Liboton and Cant
Roland Liboton is the National record holder, with ten titles won consecutively between 1980 and 1989. Sven Nys follows him, with nine successes. The active rider with the most titles is Wout van Aert, Belgian champion five times, but who will not be at the start this Sunday. Among the ladies, with fifteen titles in a row, Sanne Cant will remain the record holder for a long time to come!
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