Brouwers satisfied with podium, Verdonschot second despite injury: "It's time for that jersey to fall on my shoulders"

Marion Norbert-Riberolle won the Belgian title overwhelmingly. So, after fifteen years of Sanne Cant, there is finally a new owner. Laura Verdonschot and Julie Brouwers were also on the podium in Heusden-Zolder. Both ladies were satisfied afterward.

"I think I achieved the maximum possible today," Verdonschot said in the flash interview. "I first tried to force something because I heard Marion wasn't along. Once she rejoined, I knew it was going to be difficult. She then launched a vicious attack, and then I knew what time it was. I had to pull myself together, try to stay on Julie's wheel for a lap, and then give everything to secure second place. And I succeeded. To be honest, I didn't expect to finish second."

Verdonschot says this because she entered the race with two constricted groin arteries. An operation will soon follow. "It was tough. The longer the race went on, the harder it became. I was also extremely cold during the race. At one point, I had no feeling left in my hands and couldn't shift gears. It seemed like it simply didn't work anymore. Then, the mistakes accumulated, and the acidification also built up more and more. I think that was partly because I forced a little too much at the beginning. But in hindsight, it was probably the best choice."

Now, the Belgian from De Ceuster-Bouwpunt can start focussing on her surgery. "It's a relief. I'm glad it's all over, and I can let it all sink in. I am delighted I could give the team something today after all. I still don't think any of us expected me to be here. Everything will be over in two weeks, and I can look ahead to next year. I hope to return on the bike with a good feeling then."

The goal for next season is already evident. "I'll turn 29 next year, so it's about time that Belgian champion's jersey falls on my shoulders. I'm going to do everything I can to make that happen," she says with determination.

The number three Brouwers is also thrilled with her spot on the podium. #A podium finish was the goal, and I succeeded. It was an extraordinary race, but in the second lap, it quickly became clear how strong Marion was when she attacked uphill. I still tried to follow her, but I felt the same afterward. She's the deserved winner, and I'm happy to be on the podium as a first-year elite," Brouwers said in the flash interview.

The weather conditions made the race strange for the 22-year-old rider of Charles Liégeois Roastery CX. The course was just incredibly treacherous, very icy, so you had to pay attention to every part of it."

A slippery course combined with fatigue ultimately played tricks on Brouwers in the battle for spot two. "Due to fatigue, I made some mistakes in the end. In the second lap, I tried to follow Marion but got exhausted. I felt that at the end. In the last lap, Laura was stronger, so I'm very happy with the podium."

The young Belgian rider still visibly struggled with the tricky descents. "That descent with the bumps was not my favorite. Things have already improved in the descents since joining Bart Wellens on the team, but I can still improve in that area."

Norbert-Riberolle went to celebrate her victory with some french fries, but that's not an option for Brouwers. "Celebrate? The next cyclo-cross is scheduled for Monday, and I hope to ride the World Cup in two weeks. We're going to have a relaxed celebration. The last time I ate french fries was a long time ago."