Tom Meeusen has taken another podium spot in a cyclo-cross race. The Telenet-Fidea rider has been in good shape in recent weeks and felt that he could have been doing better last Sunday in Ruddervoorde. He missed the podium with a fifth place but bounced back with a second place today in Niel.

"I am glad that I finally had some strength in my legs," he told Het Nieuwsblad afterwards. "It was not always pleasant to ride like this." Although Meeusen has won two smaller races in Meulebeke and Ardooie, he has not been in contention for the victory in recent weeks. "Kevin (Pauwels) has deservedly won today. As he accelerated, I had no response. I am relieved that I could fight for another win. I can live with this second place and I am satisfied. The race had perhaps been different if Sven (Nys) had not crashed when we were away together but that does not detract from the performance of Kevin. He was the strongest."