It's gold, silver and bronze for the Belgians!
The World Cyclocross Championships in Hoogerheide (Netherlands) couldn't have started better for the Belgians. The Belgians managed a complete podium sweep in the U18 Juniors category on Saturday morning. Thijs Aerts (17) is the new world champion, as he beat Yannick Peeters and Jelle Schuermans into second and third place.
The man that was expected to pose the biggest threat to the Belgian ambitions, was Adam Toupalik of the Czech Republic. However, the hot favourite had a bad day and put on a poor performance.
The Belgians dominated the race. The only rider to pose a real challenge, was Dutchman Joris Nieuwenhuis, but he eventually stranded in 4th place.
Thijs Aerts, who the World Cup race in Nommay last weekend, took control of the race in the 5th and final lap (photo left). He cycled up a very steep, technical stretch, where others had to step off their bike and continue on foot.
Aerts, who studies to become a motor mechanic, is the first Belgian Junior World Champion since 2007. European Champion Yannick Peeters came second, 10 seconds behind Aerts.
