Belgian cyclocross star Laurens Sweeck has withdrawn from Thursday’s Kermiscross in Ardooie after suffering from gastrointestinal illness.
The Crelan-Corendon rider endured a difficult afternoon at Sunday’s HG Cross in Dendermonde, finishing a disappointing 23rd. His team has since confirmed that illness was responsible for his below-par performance.
Sweeck will now miss the midweek race in Ardooie as he concentrates on recovering ahead of a busy period of Belgian cyclocross racing.
The 32-year-old is expected to return to competition at Saturday’s Berencross in Meulebeke, although his participation will depend on how quickly he recovers.
His absence from Ardooie removes one of Belgium’s established contenders from the men’s field, with Michael Vanthourenhout, Joran Wyseure and Yordi Corsus among those expected to challenge for victory.
