Toon Aerts is now really back. He proved this on Friday afternoon during the tough Koppenbergcross by finishing on the podium in third place. The 31-year-old Belgian cyclo-cross rider visibly did well. “Another milestone in the comeback,” says the rider of Team Deschacht-Hens-Maes, who has been suspended by the UCI.
Aerts is a happy man, he says flash interview. ‘A podium place; that is very helpful. I have come very close to it a few times, both last season during the comeback and during the recent crosses. But last week there really was one off day in Overijse, and then you get some doubts. That will happen more often this season; it will be growing through trial and error after being out for two years. But I’m not thinking about that today, now that I finally have a podium place again.’
Text continues below the photo
Aerts is back, but aims for something higher
It was a slow build-up for Aerts, and that is not always easy. ‘It’s step by step. This really is another milestone in the comeback. I have had a good preparation and started this season well; The fact that I now have a podium place is another very nice step.’ But the Belgian cyclo-cross rider is not yet completely satisfied. ‘I have to admit: I’m aiming for something higher, but that wasn’t possible today. We’ll go step by step, and sooner or later I’ll be at the top again,” he sounds motivated.
Aerts is also awaiting a trip to Spain for the European Championships on Sunday, where he sees the necessary opportunities. ‘We Belgians have a lot of irons in the fire. It is a course where many things are possible. It’s not ideal for myself, but I don’t think it’s ideal for anyone. Let’s go as a good team and come back satisfied.’
