Gianni Vermeersch is the new Belgian clay champion: “This is clearly a discipline that suits me very well”

Gianni Vermeersch is the new Belgian clay court champion. He beat Toon Aerts, among others, in the sprint and thus succeeds Jasper Stuyven on the honors list. Vermeersch also became clay world champion in 2022.

Vermeersch was the first to enter the final straight line and easily held off Daan Soete, Thomas Joseph and Toon Aerts. Greg Van Avermaet crossed the line in fifth place a few seconds after them. The Rio Olympic champion suffered a flat tire at the start of the last lap (50 kilometers) and therefore had to let his companions go at the front. Van Avermaet was able to return in the deep final together with Lawrence Naesen and Aaron Verwilst, but more than a fifth was no longer possible.

“This is clearly a discipline that suits me very well,” beamed winner Vermeersch. “I also knew that the condition was perfect after a very good spring. That’s why I specifically asked the team if I could participate. All the more glad that I can finish it. Because it may be easy on paper, but the others also knew that my form was good.”

READ ALSO. Daan Soete came in second behind the very strong Gianni Vermeersch: “I took my chance, but there was one better”

Rash:

1. Gianni Vermeersch

2. Daan Soete +1”

3. Thomas Joseph +1”

4. Toon Aerts +1”

5. Greg Van Avermaet +2”

6. Lawrence Naesen +9”

7. Aaron Verwilst +12”

8. Dries Van Gestel +59”

9. Robbe Mellaerts +59”

10. Kenay De Moyer +59”