After a miserable start to the season, Belgian champion suddenly looked like his former self in today's Superprestige race in Spa-Francorchamps. However, he was denied the elusive third place in the final metres when team captain Kevin Pauwels sprinted past him on the uphill finishing straight.

"It is unfortunate that Kevin pass me in the end. Apparently, he didn't begrudge me the podium. But everyone rides for himself and that's his right. I am especially pleased that I felt better today," Vantornout told Sporza.

"I passed Klaas in the final meters. I also ride for points, because they may still be important at the end of the season. I hope there will be no bad feelings in the team," Pauwels told Sporza.  "With this third place, I got a few extra points for the Superprestige ranking. I hope that Klaas Vantornout is not too upset. I got a very slow start. I was in the group with Sven Nys, but suddenly I punctured and I had to do a lot with a flat tire. Luckily I could then pass some riders and ultimately still be third."

Pauwels is now third in the overall Superprestige standings.