The first gold medal for Belgium is a fact at the European Cyclo-cross Championships. For a long time it seemed like it would be a three-way battle between Michels, Agostinacchio and Haverdings, but the latter had chain problems just before the end. Our compatriot Michels overtook his Italian opponent in the final meters to take his second European title in a row. Corsus narrowly lost out in the battle for bronze.
The 21-year-old Michels entered the final round together with the Italian Filippo Agostinacchio and the Dutchman David Haverdings. The latter had to drop out due to equipment failure, after which Michels easily defeated Agostinacchio in the sprint. Frenchman Aubin Sparfel sprinted to bronze in twelve seconds, ahead of Yordi Corsus. Unlucky Haverdings ultimately finished tenth.
In his first reaction after the race, the young Belgian was very happy. “I’m really happy. This is such a fast race, so it was important to be in the wheel. I also advise all riders who still have to ride to follow the group, because it won’t work alone,” said Michels. Michels succeeds himself as European champion, because last year he was also the first to cross the finish line. “Everyone was looking at me this year. That was difficult, but I am very happy that I could finish it,” he concludes.
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