After finishing second in 2021 and winning in 2022, the European Champion from Belgium hopes for another success in the Italian stage of the UCI Cyclocross World Cup in Vermiglio, Val di Sole, on December 10th, on his thirtieth birthday
The unique Italian stage of the UCI Cyclocross World Cup in Val di Sole, renowned worldwide for its snowy terrain, has tested the mettle of many cyclocross riders. In the last two years, the hopes of several contenders have sunk into the snow of the now-iconic course at the San Leonardo Lakes of Vermiglio.
Others, anyway, have found a unique feeling with the white surface of Val di Sole, and have proved capable to pull off something extra in the Italian stage. This is certainly the case with Michael Vanthourenhout, the Belgian rider and current European Champion of the Pauwels Sauces - Bingoal team: in 2021, he finished second behind Wout van Aert and ahead of Tom Pidcock; in 2022, he got on the top step of the podium in the same race when top-favorite Mathieu Van der Poel, had to settle for eighth in a day of struggles.
Vanthourenhout – one of the main favorites for the Men Elite race on December 10th – has proven to have an edge on Vermiglio’s snowy course, both from a technical and tactical point of view. A year ago, a clean, precise, and effectively riding style was decisive in his successful run: he earned the lead in the third lap, after taking time in the first two to control both his rivals and the track conditions.
Given his past there, Vanthourenhout is very happy to return to Vermiglio. “I have very good memories of Val di Sole: it’s a very special race because of the snow. In my two previous experiences, I always had difficulties during the recons, but I really loved it during the races. The World Cup stage in Val di Sole is really unique: there usually are ten centimeters of powder snow and there can also be ice, like last year. It all depends on the weather”. For Vanthourenhout, it's not just the race that's special, but also the surroundings: “I love these mountains, even though the cold is not easy to bear”.
In addition to the landscape and the great memories, the Belgian also cherishes the World Cup stage in Val di Sole because of the spectators: “Compared to my home Country, the Italian atmosphere is completely different: there, people have one rider for which they come and cheer. In Italy, all riders are equally supported, from the first to the last”. However, among the many Italian spectators there are some who are specifically fond of Vanthourenhout: "I’ve often done training camps in Livigno. I got to know some people that way, and they are always coming to cheer for me in Val di Sole, with some banners. It’s always nice to see them”.
This year, Vanthourenhout will be competing in Val di Sole to overturn an eventful season so far. Apart from his victory at the European Championships in November, the Pauwels Sauzen - Bingoal rider has been struggling with sickness and, more recently, a shoulder injury.
However, in Vermiglio, on his thirtieth birthday, he looks to give his best and he already has a clear idea of how to tackle the snow: "In Val di Sole, the winner is the one who can ride the bike best. It's not possible to release so many watts because then you lose control of the bike. That's why you must focus on control and avoid crashes".
Among his main rivals there’s his compatriot and teammate Eli Iserbyt, who recently won the Flamanville stage in France and has dominated the World Cup so far.
The program for the Cyclocross World Cup stage in Vermiglio will kick off on Saturday, December 9th, with free practice sessions from 14:00 to 16:00 CET. On Sunday, December 10th, the Elite Women's race begins at 13:10 CET, followed by the Elite Men's race at 14:40 CET. Tickets are available on valdisolebikeland.com.
