Florian Vermeersch takes gold at Gravel World Championships
After winning two silver medals, Belgian cyclist Florian Vermeersch finally secured a gold medal at the Gravel World Championships in Maastricht, the Netherlands, on Sunday. The 26-year-old said that his victory had more than just sporting significance.
Upon arrival, Vermeersch made a gesture similar to Johan Museeuw's in the 2000 Paris-Roubaix, pointing to his thigh. It was a nod to the fracture he sustained in a crash during a race in Spain in February 2024.
"Finally winning again after two difficult years is truly incredible. This marks the end of a long comeback. A bit of a climax," said Vermeersch.
The tall cyclist from East Flanders did not have an easy competition. "After ten kilometres, I had a flat tyre. I was able to repair it fairly quickly. Niki Terpstra shouted at me not to give up. I never did," he said.
"I was able to catch up and then saw an opportunity to attack. I didn't see much of the peloton. I was either chasing or riding at the front," said Vermeersch.
Nineteen kilometres before the finish line, he dropped his last companion, the Dutchman Frits Biesterbos, and powered on alone to the end.
"This is incredible. It's hard to comprehend that, after my comeback, I can add another victory to my list of achievements and wear this rainbow jersey," he said.
© BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM
Related news
