Michael Vanthourenhout does not put pressure on himself for the World Cup: “Season has already passed”

The West Fleming fell ill two weeks ago for the cross in Benidorm, but he was able to prepare well for the World Cup afterwards. He was still part of the Flandriencross in Hamme last week, but fit for the race in Besançon in function of the World Cup.

“I was able to prepare myself well for Sunday. But becoming world champion, that seems difficult to me. To beat those two, all the puzzle pieces really have to fit together,” he said at a press moment, referring to top favorites Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel . Nothing is necessary for Vanthourenhout after his two titles this season.

“Take three jerseys would be great. But I don’t think that will happen. Wout and Mathieu still stand out a bit. I start without stress, but yes, I’m never really stressed, so that’s no different for this World Cup now I go to Sunday’s game with a calm feeling.”

Which of the clappers has the advantage on this course? Van Aert or Van der Poel? “It’s hard to say, it’s so close. On Sunday it will depend on individual mistakes and the form of the day.”