Three riders of Tormans Cyclo Cross Team travelled to Kortrijk in West-Flanders to participate in three different categories in the second race of the X2O Trophy. Successively, Joran Wyseure, Shana Maes and Corné Van Kesselgave the best of themselves on an urban circuit which was pretty slippery after the rainfall in the early morning.
After his 4th place at the U23 European Championships and his victory in the same category in Koksijde last week, Joran Wyseure was one of the favorites in the U23 race. But it was world champion Pim Ronhaar who dominated the race and was successful with a very long solo. Wyseure played a role in the chasing group of five riders, which shattered in the final two laps. In the end it was Cameron Mason who took 2nd place, ahead of the West-Flemish rider of Tormans Cyclo Cross Team.
After Wyseure’s podium ceremony, Shana Maes lined up for the Elite Women’s race. It was again world champion Lucinda Brand who was the best at the end of an exciting battle in the West-Flemish city. Antwerp champion Shana Maes crossed the line in 25th position.
At 15h, Dutch rider Corné Van Kessel was ready to race in difficult circumstances, as the previous races made the parcours even more muddy. He was among the strongest riders and battled in third position behind Toon Aerts and Eli Iserbyt, each of them separated by increasing time gaps. At the end of the seventh and final lap, Van Kessel finished third, achieving his first podium of the season. After two races, the Dutchman is now 3rd in the X2O Trophy.
"Before the season I determined that my main focus would be on the races of the X2O Trophy. It is nice to achieve my first podium of the season here in Kortrijk, especially taking into account the level of riders here at the start. The circuit here in Kortrijk has always been very fast the previous years, so the hard conditions in this edition were a surprise for everyone. The heavy rainfall in the morning created a lot of mud, which dried up during the day and really stuck to the bike. But that's how I like it!"
"Since my victory in Koksijde I feel like I’m living a dream, so I lined up without pressure today. I felt good all week again, so I was confident that I would be able to play a role in this U23 event. The race went well, although it was difficult to avoid mistakes on this slippery urban circuit. In my opinion, the strongest won today, so I can be satisfied. I’m very happy with my performances the past couple of weeks and I hope to continue as long as possible with this form. My next race is in Antwerp, where I will be racing my first Elite World Cup of the season. I’m honored with this selection, so I’m very motivated to do well there!"
