Michael Van Staeyen is one of the most consistent sprinters on the Belgian racing scene and today he was again in the mix when he finished third in Halle-Ingooigem. The result came as a slight surprise for the Topsport rider who has just come back from illness and found himself in a sprint that didn't suit his characteristics.

Over the last few years Michael Van Staeyen has been the lead sprinter at Topsport Vlaanderen and even though he has not taken a lot of wins, he has been one of the most consistent riders in the Belgian races. This naturally made him one of the favourites for today's Halle-Ingooigem which has very often been decided in a bunch sprint.

Van Staeyen was again in the mix but had to settle for another place of honour as he was beaten into third by Arnaud Demare and Kris Boeckmans. However, a number of circumstances made him pleased with the result.

"I can be satisfied with third place," he told Directvelo. "In fact, I have not had a great day. Since Ster ZLM Toer I have been a little sick and I have had to take antibiotics. But it was not so bad and I was still able to do a good sprint. To get beaten by Démare is not a shame, he is one of the best in the world. Furthermore, the downhill sprint does not really suit me. I waited as long as possible to launch my effort."

As one of the best Belgian sprinters, Van Staeyen is one of the obvious favourites for Sunday's Belgian road race championships as it is widely tipped to finish in a bunch kick. However, the Topsport rider is not so sure that the sprinters will come to the fore.

"On Sunday, the race will be difficult," he said. "I do not think it will be a sprint but rather a small group of six or seven men who decide the win."