Video shows Vanthourenhout lashing out at Brit Cameron Mason after mistake costs him the win at Middelkerke

Just as in the women’s race, which was won by Aniek van Alphen, not all the big names were present in Middelkerke, which was hosting its first-ever evening cyclocross race. Two days before the European Championships, Thibau Nys, among others, opted for some extra rest, so the Belgian champion skipped the overall standings race in his home country.

As the winner of the first Superprestige race in Overijse, Michael Vanthourenhout was indeed in the field as the overall leader. The Belgian rider from Pauwels Sauzen-Altez Industriebouw survived the breakaway after the first lap, which was initiated by his teammate Gerben Kuypers. Kuypers pulled away, forcing the others to chase. Vanthourenhout was able to latch onto his wheel.

In addition to Vanthourenhout and Kuypers, Joran Wyseure made a strong impression on behalf of Crelan-Corendon. Orts and Kuhn were also consistently sharp. However, when Vanthourenhout made his move with three laps to go, suddenly only Kuhn and Wyseure were able to keep up. Wyseure, however, made a mistake at the balance beam and nearly fell. As a result, we briefly had two leaders.

But only for a moment, because Vanthourenhout eased off the pace a bit after 7 of 10 laps, allowing a good-sized group of riders to catch up. Mason wanted to push on and did so aggressively.

Vanthourenhout did not have the inside line, and it came down to a bit of argy bargy. The two touched shoulders, with Vanthourenhout sliding off on the corner and going down. The British rider from 777 then crashed himself, also at the obstacles. This string of mistakes suddenly put Wyseure in the lead, with two laps to go.

The constant wave of changes continued, as Wyseure took another tumble in lap 9, so we headed into the final lap with the Belgian, Vanthourenhout, and the returning Kuhn among the leaders. Michels could still dream of a top result, as the pace was too fast for Kuypers and Mason. In the end, Wyseure took the win, because Vanthourenhout had nothing left in the tank after his crash.

After the finish, Eurosport’s live broadcast was abruptly cut off, but the morning after the race, it became clear what else had happened in Belgium after the finish. It started with an exchange of words, initiated by Vanthourenhout. He went to confront the British rider, who, looking surprised, was met with a “f*ck you!”

Footage shows that Vanthourenhout first throws a light punch before the two come face to face. Mason is clearly not pleased with the Belgian’s aggressive behavior and snaps back at him. After that, the two quickly go their separate ways. According to broadcaster Play Sports, Vanthourenhout was fined for his outburst.

1. Joran Wyseure
2. Michael Vanthourenhout + 0.04
3. Kevin Kuhn + 0.05
4. Cameron Mason + 0.10
5. Jente Michels + 0.11