Jente Michels (Belgium) has powered through the rain and deep mud to take the victory in the 2023 European Cyclo-cross Championships U23 Men’s race ahead of teammate and defending champion Emiel Verstrynge. France’s Rémi Lelandais was third.
After all racing was delayed to Sunday because of storms, the ultra-treacherous, rainsoaked course at Pont-Château made bikehandling and racecraft vital. The difficult conditions saw multiple crashes as riders skidded on the muddy, rutted course, with numerous abandons.
After early domination by the French on the 7-lap course, by the end of the third Michels emerged ahead of compatriot Emiel Verstrynge, with another Belgian, Ward Huybs, leading ahead of a shattered pack.
