Jens Schuermans, a talented mountain biker, achieved an impressive 3rd place podium finish in the short track race at the Val di Sole World Cup. The race was dominated by world champion Sam Gaze from New Zealand, who took home the victory.
For Schuermans, this race holds a special significance as he has a history of success at Val di Sole. Five years ago, he stood on the podium alongside winner Mathieu van der Poel in the short track event. Returning to the same track, Schuermans felt right at home and made his move in the penultimate lap to take the lead. However, he was ultimately passed in the final sprint by Sam Gaze and Victor Koretzky from France.
Despite narrowly missing out on the top spot, Schuermans was thrilled with his performance, stating, “This is fantastic. I have many fond memories here, and today I am adding another one. Standing on the podium is something wonderful for me.”
Another Belgian rider, Pierre De Froidmont, also had a strong showing, finishing in 9th place. The cross-country race is scheduled for Sunday, offering another opportunity for these riders to showcase their skills.
In the women’s short track race, the competition came down to a sprint finish between Puck Pieterse and world champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévot. The victory went to Pieterse, with Belgian rider Emeline Detilleux finishing in 25th place.
Jens Schuermans’ passion for mountain biking has deep roots, as he learned the sport from Bert and Bavo. This latest podium finish is a testament to his dedication and skill, and fans can look forward to seeing more great performances from him in the future.