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The Belgian cyclocross championships came up with surprising results this weekend in Antwerp. On the banks of the river Scheldt, the UCI cycling pros fought their way through mud, sand and around and over obstacles. For the "Elite Women", "Elite Men" and "Under 23" classes this is standard procedure at the Cyclocross. The tough course, offered its challenges despite the calm and warm weather conditions during the championships.

Images / Peter Philipsen: Toyo Tires Boulevard

The final ranking of the women could also be described as usual, as World champion Sanne Cant (29) won consecutively her eleventh national victory. From the second lap on she took a safe lead and presenting a flawless race could not be caught up by her competitors. Marthe Truyen (20) was happy about the title for the U23 women.

The big surprise of the competition was the 26-year-old Laurens Sweeck, who crossed the finish line 32 seconds ahead of runner-up Eli Iserbyt (22). In a tactical race he used the support his team mates gave him in the race and relegated last year's champion Toon Aertsauf (26) to third place. Toon Vandebosch (20) won the championships in the U23 category.

It is these thrilling races around and over tricky obstacles that are attracting more and more spectators. Striking and new this season was the fact that part of the course went over floating platforms and the Toyo Tires Boulevard. As a partner of the championships, Toyo not only provided tires for obstacles, but with its banners, banderoles and branding along the course, it set a blue view along the track that can only be described as the Toyo Tires Boulevard.

Over a million viewers watched the national elite championships on television and were thrilled to see who would take the lead along Toyo Boulevard, which was captured over two TV zones.

Image: Iserbyt, the new Chambion Sweeck and the former Champion Aertsauf are happy about the victory and flowers from Toyo