X²O Badkamers Trofee 2023 – 3 – GP SVEN NYS [FULL RACE]

January 1, 2023

X²O Badkamers Trofee 2023 – GP SVEN NYS

The X²O Badkamers Trofee is unique in the world of cyclocross, as unlike other series that award points after every race, the X²O Badkamers Trofee is effectively a season-long stage race, with the overall winner being the fastest over all of the eight races across the season. That’s not always been the case though, prior to switching over to this new system in the 2012/13 season the series ran on points, just like the other series. If a rider misses or does not finish at a round, it’s still technically possible for them to win as ‘non-finishers’. Lapped riders and non-starters are given the winner’s time, plus 5 minutes. Miss too many rounds, however, and these 5 minute-long deficits soon add up and create an insurmountable gap. For that reason, this is a series that riders often compete in throughout the season, rather than picking and choosing individual rounds.

Eli Iserbyt (Bingoal-Pauwels Sauzen) came from behind to snatch the first victory of 2023 at the GP Sven Nys from world champion Tom Pidcock.

Pidcock had a solid gap on Iserbyt and his teammate Michael Vanthourenhout but lost control on the pump track section of the course in Baal. He caught air on the first berm then slid out on the second one, flipping over the banners lining the course.

Iserbyt and Vanthourenhout caught and passed the dejected world champion to take the top two spots, while Pidcock came in third a minute down 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 Briton followed closely as Michael Vanthourenhout claimed the hole shot in Baal and latched onto the Bingoal-Pauwels Sauzen train as series leader Eli Iserbyt came forward on the opening lap.

With a series of tough hills and mud covering deep ruts, the course quickly shattered the field and Pidcock forged clear on the second lap and never looked back.

But whether it was overconfidence or simply too much speed, the final lap crash ruined the race for the Briton, and Iserbyt could finally claim a win after being injured and overshadowed by the ‘big three’ since October.

“It was not that important but it’s good for my head, for 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.

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