Baal, Belgium – Belgian cyclocross champion Eli Iserbyt (Team Pauwels Sauzen-Cibel Clementines) began the New Year on a triumphant note with a commanding victory at the prestigious Sven Nys cyclocross race in Baal on Wednesday.
The win marked Iserbyt’s fourth victory of the season and provided a much-needed morale boost as he continues to battle a lingering injury.
“This victory makes up for a lot,” said Iserbyt, who has been coping with piriformis syndrome, a condition caused by the compression of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle. Despite his ongoing health challenges, the 26-year-old displayed resilience and tactical brilliance on the course, defeating a strong field of competitors.
A Return to Form
Iserbyt’s victory comes after a challenging period. He had been forced to sit out last week’s World Cup race in Gavere due to his injury and had not secured a win since November 24 in Antwerp. The extended drought added pressure on the Belgian champion, who was eager to make a strong comeback.
“That was a long time ago,” Iserbyt said of his previous win. “Today, I really needed to be out in front. I’d agreed to concentrate on the last half-hour of this race, but in fact, I was already feeling good in the first two laps.”
Iserbyt’s strategy paid off as he capitalized on an acceleration late in the race to pull ahead of his rivals. Despite strong performances from Pim Ronhaar of the Netherlands, who finished second, and fellow Belgian Emiel Verstrynge, who took third, Iserbyt held firm to claim victory.
Battling Through Injury
The Belgian champion acknowledged that he is still not at peak fitness, as his left leg remains affected by his condition. However, he noted signs of improvement.
“I had a bit more strength in my left leg again, and I’m very happy with that,” Iserbyt said. “I’m still not 100% fit. I’m still fighting this injury, but this victory makes up for a lot.”
For Iserbyt, the emotional significance of winning at Baal extended beyond his physical struggles. “When I was a kid, I always watched this race on TV, and this race was also one of the reasons I became a cyclocross racer,” he shared.
Looking Ahead
With his victory at the Sven Nys cyclocross, Iserbyt has not only reaffirmed his place among the elite riders in the sport but also set a hopeful tone for the remainder of the season.
While his recovery from piriformis syndrome remains ongoing, his performance in Baal suggests that the Belgian champion is regaining his form. Fans and competitors alike will be watching closely as he continues to navigate the demanding cyclocross calendar.
As the sport’s New Year begins, Iserbyt’s victory stands as a testament to determination and passion, setting the stage for more thrilling races in the months ahead.
