LIVESTREAM: Sudden rain shower causes noise, Belgian promises play for gold | European Cyclocross Championships 2023

In the background we see one rider after another fall, and a Belgian was also hit.

This all happens at a considerable distance from Michels, Verstrynge and Huybs. Our compatriots occupy places 1 to 3 in the cross. Will we get a new Belgian stage in Namur, just like last year?

For the Dutch leader it is already over and done with after one lap. He has faded into the background.

It is a small deluge that passes over the course. With 4 Belgians in the first 4 positions, our compatriots did not miss their start on the first passage to the finish line.

Verstrynge, Huybs and Michels are always among the top 4 and explore the circuit in an overall cautious manner.

Home rider Bommenel is leading the pack, we don’t see any cracks developing at the front yet.

The French take over and rush through the mud with a lot of risk. Verstrynge remains alert at the front in the company of some compatriots.

From now on you will no longer have to miss a stage of the European Cyclocross Championships at Sporza, starting with the U23 men. You can follow the cross with commentary from Ruben Van Gucht and Paul Herygers on Canvas and via the livestream on this page.

The 2 European titles for France and that for Great Britain are in stark contrast to last year’s titles in Namur.

Then the Netherlands won three gold medals, all three for women with Lauren Molengraaf, Puck Pieterse and Fem van Empel.

Belgium won 2 European titles among the men with Emiel Verstrynge and Michael Vanthourenhout, France was the odd one out with gold among the juniors of Léo Bisiaux.

It is up to the Low Countries to come up with an answer in the afternoon today.

The French were already partying with the junior men, just like with the junior women. In the women’s promises, the prize went to Great Britain.

Will we get a first Belgian medal of the day among the promising men? That chance is quite high with top favorite Emiel Verstrynge.

Or can Léo Bisiaux, who destroyed everything with the juniors last year, surprise in his first season with the reserves?

Furthermore, the Belgians are looking for challengers. The Dutchman David Haverdings perhaps, or the Swiss Dario Lillo and the Czech Matyas Fiala.

With Victor Van De Putte and Jente Michels, the biggest threat to top favorite Emiel Verstrynge may simply come from his own country.

Only home country France is also at the start today with 8. They are looking forward to Nathan Bommenel, Rémi Lelandais and Martin Groslambert.

Last year the European Championship podium for the promises was completely Belgian with 1. Emiel Verstrynge, 2. Thibau Nys and 3. Witse Meeussen.

Numbers 2 and 3 will participate in the elite this year. But defending champion Verstrynge still has the age of promise and is soon aiming for a second European title in a row.

The other Belgians at the start are Victor Van De Putte, Jente Michels, Aaron Dockx, Ward Huybs, Yorben Lauryssen, Arne Baers and Yordi Corsus.