Vanthourenhout guiltily admits wrongdoing after confrontation with Scot Cameron Mason: 'That's a closed chapter'

Vanthourenhout was the defending champion in the Noordzeecross, and was once again in contention and had a shot at victory. When Mason took the inside line next him on the eighth lap, the Belgian rider from Pauwels Sauzen–Altez tried to shove him out of the way. He shut the door hard, but the British champion wouldn’t back down. Shoulder to shoulder, Vanthourenhout went down.

Mason was able to continue, but later crashed during the race itself. Vanthourenhout made a comeback after a chase and came close to victory, but had to settle for second place behind Joran Wyseure. Afterward, a furious Vanthourenhout confronted Mason, who had crossed the finish line in fourth place. He gave him a slap, exchanged a few words, and ended with an angry “f*ck you.”

Mason himself didn't take it lying down and fired back fiercely. On Instagram, he responded with “Something, something, ‘own medicine,’ something, something,” referring to the phrase “a taste of your own medicine.” Vanthourenhout’s actions also drew a lot of criticism online. Several analysts and fans felt that he was in the wrong, not Mason.

Vanthourenhout will once again try to become European champion on Sunday, but on Friday he couldn’t avoid questions about the cyclocross race in Middelkerke. He was later fined by the organisers for his outburst. Speaking to Het Laatste Nieuws, the 2022 and 2023 European champion expressed remorse.

"I watched the footage myself and saw that Cameron didn't do anything wrong at all," the Belgian says, looking guilty. "I also sent him a message right away, and he accepted my apology. As far as I'm concerned, that's a closed chapter." And what if he runs into Mason at the European Championship? “It’s a small world: I’ll see him again on Sunday, and it’s not like I’m not talking to Cameron anymore or anything.”