Quinten Hermans, Kevin Kuhn and Emiel Verstrynge raced for the first time since their American trip this Saturday in Ruddervoorde. The trio participated to this sunny second race of the Superprestige alongside Joran Wyseure, who raced for the second time at home in three days after Ardooie last Thursday.
Kevin Kuhn wast the fastest opener today and showed his Swiss champion’s kit in the first lap. It didn’t take a long time for Quinten Hermans to join him in the front and take the lead of the race, with Eli Iserbyt. The Belgian rider of Tormans Cyclo Cross Team put pressure on the European champion on the numerous hills, the steps and through the sand.
But the plank barriers were fatal for Hermans, who had to let go Iserbyt after a crash. The time gaps increased during the final laps, so Quinten Hermans secured his 2nd place. 27 seconds behind the finish of Iserbyt, Quinten Hermans took his fourth podium in his last five races. Hermans has now the same amount of points in the provisional classification of the Superprestige as the new leader Iserbyt.
« I really felt good today and I wanted to put pressure on Eli Iserbyt all race long. I thought it was the best strategy to try to distance this explosive rider. But in the end, unfortunately, I made a mistake myself. I was a little too enthusiastic approaching the planks, one of the difficult elements of the parcours. So I can conclude that I recovered well from my trip to the USA and had to battle against a very strong contender today. I’m satisfied about this 2nd place and I’m already looking forward to tomorrow in Zonhoven, one of the only natural sites in Belgium and close to home! »
