Tomorrow the cyclo-cross rider will compete for the European title Pontchâteau and today they got a chance to see the course. "It will be a fast-paced race," said Belgian coach Rudy De Bie. Michael Vanthournhout regards Wout van Aert is the top favorite.

"Regarding the course, almost nothing has changed compared to the past," national coach Rudy De Bie told Sporza. "But one thing does strike me: it is very dry. Hence, it will be a fast race."

Wout van Aert agreed. "You never really have to stop. You can also find a few long stretches where you can lose your power. I like that.

"The hardest part of the course is at the end, towards the finish."

"It's a course that will not make a difference in the beginning, but if we go hard a few times, there will fbe gaos after a few laps."

The world champion is aware that everyone will look at him, but he puts pressure on his great rival, Mathieu van der Poel. "In recent weeks I have always lost in duels against Mathieu in the end so I think he still has an edge."

"The usual suspects are the favorites," said Laurens Sweeck. "Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel and a few riders will surprise here. I am mostly thinking of the Frenchman Clément Venturini. He is riding in front of his home crowd. I alst expect Tim Merlier and Michael Vanthournhout to be in front."

Vanthournhout is aiming for a podium finish. 

"It's about waiting until the two big names open the game. They may look a little too much at each other and others may benefit from that. I think that Wout is the top favorite. It's a course for a rider with a lot of power and that turns it into his favor. "