"It was a difficult race and it is nice that you can ride for the victory two laps from the end," Michael Vanthourenhout (Sunweb-Napoleon Games) told Het Nieuwsblad. after his second place in the Poldercross in Kruibeke.

"In the beginning of the race, I felt very good. That's why I gave out a few jabs. I repeatedly made the race and saw Wout Van Aert easily could follow. Then I knew he would be the man to beat. When I got to the front of the race with him, he urged me to do the work, but I could not do that immediately because I had to go deep to counter his attack. Over time I was able to do my share of the work. When he accelerated, I could not follow, and I decided to secure my second place. More was not possible.

For Lauren Sweeck (Era-Murprotec), the third place was a boost. "It's a little less highly regarded race because it is not part of any of the series, but it's on television and that is very important for my sponsors. A podium place do not lie. When Van Aert and Vanthourenhout attacked, I could not follow them. Before that moment, I had just caught my breath and saw them ride away. Third behind those riders is no disgrace. I have some less good weeks behind me and so this third place really is a boost. Hopefully this is the start of a better time."