Belgian cyclists win six medals at the European Track Cycling Championships

23/10/2016

At the European Track Cycling Championships in the French city of Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, which took place from 19 to 23 October, the Belgian athletes performed exceptionally well. No less than six medals were won: one gold, three silver and three bronze. With this achievement, the Belgian track cyclists proved they are among the world's top cyclists.

Nicky Degrendele was the first to start for our country. The 20-year-old runner won a silver medal in the keirin. It's a form of track cycling in which six cyclists cycle behind a derny (motorized pacer). Once the derny leaves the track, the cyclists cycle at speeds of up to seventy kilometres per hour to try and win the race.

Next, Jolien D’Hoore won a silver medal in the points race. She was one point short of winning the gold medal. The Belgian cyclist also won the madison, together with her partner Lotte Kopecky. The two Belgians performed much better than their opponents, which caused them to easily win the gold medal. Lotte Kopecky also came in third in the omnium.

Among the men, Kenny De Ketele and Moreno De Pauw won the bronze medal in the madison. The two cyclists had one point less than France, which came in second. Kenny De Ketele also won the silver medal in the points race.

With their six medals, the Belgian cyclists showed that they can hold their own in track cycling. Hopefully they will perform just as well during the World Championships in 2017.