Cameron Mason embroiled in post-race argument with Belgian rider Michael Vanthourenhout
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Belgian rider Michael Vanthourenhout was fined after shouting and pushing British champion Cameron Mason at a cyclo-cross race on Thursday night.
Four-time British CX champion Mason was involved in an altercation with Vanthourenhout in the immediate aftermath of the Superprestige Middelkerke , with the Belgian rider verbally abusing and aggressively shoving the Brit after the race, which was won by Joran Wyseure.
Vanthourenhout (Pauwels Sauzen-Altez Industriebouw), who is leading the series but dropped points in Thursday’s race under the lights in Noordzeecross, appeared to see red after losing his balance on lap eight of the 10-circuit event, following a coming together with Mason (777tv).
The Belgian had attempted to prevent Mason from passing him just before the pair reached a technical sandy section of the course, by leaning into the British rider with his shoulder. The move backfired, however, and Vanthourenhout ended up with his feet on the floor, slipping a few positions in the process and temporarily losing contact with the lead group.
Conditions were challenging during a race that’s traditionally held in February, which was moved to November and was being run beneath bulbs. Moisture in the air meant corners were extra greasy, and Mason, who had led the race for a spell on the fifth lap, subsequently suffered a spill of his own, coming into contact with the barriers. Both men quickly recovered, but victory on the night went to Corendon-Crelan’s Wyseure, with Vanthourenhout finishing second.
