Klaas Vantornout was crowned today as Belgium champion. After the race, the 34-year old rider stated that not only the rest of the world is surprised, he is probably even more surprised himself.

“I really don’t understand how I have managed to win here”, Vantornout told Sporza after the race. “The other riders had to suffer during the holiday period, that might explain it a bit. I wanted to ride those races too, but I was really sick. I understand that many won’t believe me when I say that, but what I went through the last few weeks I wish upon nobody.”

That most don’t believe Vantornout was evident both after and during the race. He was booed both during the last round as on the podium.

“Like I said before the race, this course suits me 200%. I really suffered in the last part, I had cramps everywhere. I was afraid that Tom Meeusen was going to catch me, but thankfully that didn’t happen.”