A few days before the European Cyclo-Cross Championships in Pontchateau, France, the Koppenbergcross was more than just a benchmark. A monument, a goal in itself.
Thibau Nys had probably impressed that on himself. Because it soon became clear that he was the man to beat. After the second lap he already had a lead of more than twenty seconds over Iserbyt, Vanthourenhout and van der Haar.
During the penultimate passage on the Koppenberg, Vanthourenhout had to take the lead from the pursuers at the front. Fifth place was the highest possible.
Iserbyt still seemed healthy there. But he also could not close the gap on an impressively dominant Nys. So Nys logically comes first. Van der Haar hurried to second place at eleven seconds. Iserbyt came third at sixteen seconds.