After a two-year hiatus due to COVID restrictions, Polderscross returns to open both the Belgian CX season and the newly rebranded Exact Cross Series (formerly Ethias Cross). Traditional opener Lokeren gave up the spot as they will host the Belgian National championships this season.
There were a lot of open questions as the elite fields toed the lines in Kruibeke and by the end of the day none of them were truly answered. In the elite women's race and in her post-race interview, Fem van Empel threw down an imperious performance finishing 1:11 ahead of Anne-Marie Worst and Denise Betsema. It seems safe to assume she won't repeat such a display week after week given the parity and depth of the women's field.
The men's race was a more competitive affair. Michael Vanthourenhout did manage to escape the pack though on a course and in conditions that suited him well, making it two-for-two for the Pauwels Sauzen Bingoal team.. His teammate Eli Iserbyt and former teammate Laurens Sweeck rounded out the podium. In related news Sweeck's fan club colors finally match his kit again.
Some incredible photography from Ethan Glading too!