Vanthourenhout succeeds himself on the honors list of the European Championship. Last year he was also the best in Namur. He accelerated on Sunday in the second lap and then rode alone in the lead for the rest of the race. Behind him, Mason, Ronhaar and Van der Haar cut their teeth on the West Flemish. Iserbyt suffered bad luck and finished sixth.
“Michael certainly did not steal the title,” Iserbyt indicated. “As a team we put in a strong performance by protecting his flight. I still had a puncture. As a result, I could not stay with Lars van der Haar and co. Otherwise a podium place might have been possible. It was a tough cross. Due to the rain “The course kept changing and you had to be careful not to make any more mistakes. Everything went well until that flat tire. Ultimately, I am happy that Michael has that jersey back in his possession.”
The other Belgians finished in the background. Laurens Sweeck finished seventh, Niels Vandeputte eighth, Witse Meeussen tenth and Gerben Kuypers thirteenth. Thibau Nys had a total off day and gave up, just like Joran Wyseure.