“Things like this happen”: shoving, a crash, insults and a UCI fine ahead of the European Cyclocross Championships

The Superprestige of Middelkerke ended with a victory for Joran Wyseure, but also with a heated argument between Michael Vanthourenhout and Cameron Mason that resulted in a financial penalty for the Belgian. This all happened just three days before the European Cyclocross Championship.

The UCI fines Michael Vanthourenhout for insulting a rival after a fall during the race

The Superprestige of Middelkerke took place this Thursday under the spotlight and with many of the best European specialists at the starting line. The race was seen as a final test before the 2026 European Cyclocross Championship, which takes place this weekend in Zeddam, but it ended with a tense episode between two of its protagonists.

Joran Wyseure (Crelan-Corendon) achieved victory after a very competitive race, where up to seven cyclists rode together at the front during the final laps. Michael Vanthourenhout (Pauwels Sauzen-Altez Industriebouw), one of the major dominators of this season's start, finished second, while Kevin Kuhn (Heizomat-Cube) completed the podium.

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The course, fast and with numerous curves, led to constant position changes. Gerben Kuypers made the first moves, while Cameron Mason, Vanthourenhout, and Wyseure himself began to take the spotlight as the race progressed.

In the final laps, Wyseure managed to open gaps on several occasions, although he also made mistakes that allowed his pursuers to regroup. Ultimately, the Belgian was the strongest at the finish and managed to prevail over Vanthourenhout and Kuhn. Felipe Orts finished seventh, in his last competition before competing in the European Championship with the Spanish national team.

A fall, an insult, and a fine of 250 Swiss francs

The most controversial moment came with just over two laps to go. Cameron Mason attempted to overtake Michael Vanthourenhout on the inside of a left-hand turn while both were riding in the front group.

 

 

 

 

 

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The Belgian tried to close the gap using his shoulder but lost his balance and ended up on the ground. The fall caused him to drop several positions and forced him to make a comeback to return to the fight for victory.

Although he managed to finish second, Vanthourenhout did not hide his anger upon crossing the finish line. He approached Mason, who had finished fourth, and they had an argument that included a brief physical contact. The Belgian criticized the maneuver to the Brit and ended up shouting at him: "Fuck you!", after reproaching him for trying to overtake him on the inside.

The officials decided to intervene and fined Vanthourenhout 250 Swiss francs. The penalty was not for the maneuver during the race, but for his behavior towards Mason after crossing the finish line.

Vanthourenhout acknowledges that Mason's maneuver was legal

After the race, the Belgian explained in front of the cameras that his reaction was a consequence of competitive tension, although he acknowledged that Mason had not committed any infraction.

"It was in the heat of battle. I don't think he should have overtaken me on the inside just before that little climb, but it's a permitted maneuver," he explained.

Vanthourenhout also admitted that the fall had affected his chances of victory: "I lost my balance and suddenly found myself in sixth position. After that, it's very difficult to move forward. It influenced the result, but that's part of racing. I kept giving it my all".

Regarding the subsequent confrontation, he downplayed what happened: "These things happen in the moment of the race. You know that your chances practically disappear when you fall there. I'm disappointed, but also happy with the podium".

Mason also did not let the incident pass. Shortly after, he posted a story on Instagram with an ironic message referring to the fact that the Belgian had tasted his "own medicine."

The two will meet again this Sunday at the European Championship in Zeddam, where Vanthourenhout will seek his third continental title and Mason will try to compete for the medals.

Superprestige Middelkerke 2026 Standings – Elite Men

1. Joran Wyseure (Crelan-Corendon)
2. Michael Vanthourenhout (Pauwels Sauzen-Altez Industriebouw)
3. Kevin Kuhn (Heizomat-Cube)
4. Cameron Mason (777TV CX Team)
5. Jente Michels (Alpecin-Premier Tech Development Team)
6. Gerben Kuypers (Pauwels Sauzen-Altez Industriebouw)
7. Felipe Orts (Euskaltel-Euskadi)
8. Niels Vandeputte (Alpecin-Premier Tech)
9. Victor Van de Putte (Charles Liégeois CX Team)