Back to Stories RoadOthers

Day in the life: European Cyclocross Champion

06 Nov 2024

In this photo report you get a unique look into the life of a cyclo-cross rider on race day. 

Day in the life: before the race

* Pictures taken at Superprestige cyclocross Overijse, before 2024 European cx championships. 

Michael vanthourenhout day in the life start with kid

Michael pins his start number to his jersey while his son sits next to him. 

Vanthourenhout pins number before cx race
European champion cyclocross helmet
Athlete food before cyclocross race

3h before the race, Michael eats his last big meal. Sandwiches with Sirop de Liège and a good cup of coffee. 

What does an athlete eat during his day
European champion jersey
Day in the life Cyclocross Pauwels-Sauzen

Short stop during reconnaissance of the course in the equipment post to discuss equipment choice. 

Cyclocross mechanics

The mechanics leave for the equipment station before the race. 

Michael Vanthourenhout day in the life
European champion and Belgian champion Eli Iserbyt

Michael Vanthourenhout and Eli Iserbyt discuss which way to go for the warmup. 

Day in the life: during the race

Start line Belgian champ European cham Spanish champ
Day in the life Vanthourenhout start line

Focus before the start. 

Bike Cyclocross Overijse
Cycling Cross Overijse European champion

Day in the life: after the race

After bike race recovery vanthourenhout wife

Quick recovery after the finish.

day in the life athlete after race recovery
athlete recovery after race
Cyclocross fans

Making time for fans. 

Clean gear after race

After a muddy cross, the white cycling shoes must be scrubbed. 

Clean bike after race

As well as the bikes. 

That completes the day. Michael returns home, relaxes and prepares for his next cross.