Michael Vanthourenhout won the Hexia Cross Gullegem. The Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal rider secured his first victory since claiming the European title in Pontchâteau on November 5. The Belgian launched a solo attack and successfully completed his solo flight.
Top trio absent
The Hexia Cross Gullegem did not feature the top names in the sport, with Mathieu Van der Poel, Wout Van Aert, Tom Pidcock, Eli Iserbyt, among others, missing. However, there were still some notable names, including Michael Vanthourenhout, Thibau Nys, and Gianni Vermeersch. They had a golden opportunity to win a significant Cyclocross competition.
Frenetic start
Nys seemed hungry at the start, taking the lead as they entered the field. Afterward, he backed off a bit as Vermeersch and Joran Wyseure accelerated. This duo had a slight advantage over Vanthourenhout and Nys after one lap. Just behind them were Cameron Mason and Lander Loockx.
Watch the start:
Vanthourenhout’s attack in the third lap
In the second lap, a leading group formed with six athletes: Vermeersch, Wyseure, Nys, Mason, Loockx, and Vanthourenhout. The latter launched an attack in the second part of the third lap. Nys initially managed to follow him, but at a certain point, he saw him gradually pulling away. After three out of the seven laps, the European Champion had a twelve-second lead over Wyseure, Nys, and Mason, who formed a chasing group.
Entering the final lap, Wyseure and Nys lost ground to Cameron Mason, but the gap between Vanthourenhout and Mason remained at 23 seconds.
Indeed, after seven laps, Vanthourenhout crossed the line as the winner. It was only the second time this season that he won a competition. Behind him, Mason secured the second position. In the last lap, Wyseure engaged in an exciting battle with Nys and ultimately secured the 3rd place.
Watch the arrival of the European Champion, winner of the Hexia Cyclocross Gullegem 2024:
Complete results of Hexia Cyclocross Gullegem 2024:
