Pidcock lost control on the pump-track section of the course and flipped over the banners. He managed to get back on the bike and rode on but Iserbyt and Vanthourenhout quickly caught up and went past him. Pidcock hung on to third and crossed the line with blood streaming down his left leg.
“I was not feeling really good today but I wanted to try and make a fast last lap, so I was trying to go a little bit faster everywhere. Obviously, this is a dangerous section so that was not the best idea.
“I wasn’t being stupid or anything – I was thinking about doing a whip but no. I have a nasty bruise on my leg.”
The win was more than welcomed by Iserbyt who wasn’t having the best of seasons and was limited by injury in recent weeks.
“It was not that important but it’s good for my head, my family and everyone who believed in me. It’s been a difficult two months for me. I’m very happy that Michael helped me in the last lap. The feeling is getting better and better, and I’m pleased,” Iserbyt said.
2023 CX – Baal – results
1. Eli Iserbyt (BEL) – 01:00:35
2. Michael Vanthourenhout (BEL) + 11
3. Tom Pidcock (GBR) + 01:02
4. Lars van der Haar (NED) + 01:08
5. Jens Adams (BEL) + 01:56
6. Joris Nieuwenhuis (NED) + 02:01
7. Quinten Hermans (BEL) + 02:21
8. Cameron Mason (GBR) + 02:29
9. Pim Ronhaar (NED) + 02:55
10. Timo Kielich (BEL) + 03:35
