The Leiecross in Kortrijk on December 13, 2025, delivered more than just muddy tires and the usual cyclocross chaos—it sparked a heated debate that’s still echoing through the cycling world. Michael Vanthourenhout and Ryan Kamp, two seasoned competitors and former teammates, found themselves at the center of controversy after a dramatic incident on the bridge, leaving fans and pundits alike buzzing with speculation and opinion.
It all unfolded in the heart of a fiercely contested race. Vanthourenhout, who was widely considered the unluckiest rider of the day after a costly fall, didn’t mince words in his post-race interview. According to Sporza, he accused Kamp of deliberately squeezing the brakes in a bid to knock him off his bike—a move that, in Vanthourenhout’s eyes, crossed the line from aggressive racing into outright foul play. “Iemand wat proberen hinderen, dat is cross. Maar een andere renner moedwillig van de fiets proberen rijden, is toch iets anders. Ik heb toch dat gevoel alleszins. Op weg naar de finish deed hij het ook eens, als ik niet rem dan vallen we met drie,” Vanthourenhout said, his frustration clear as day. Translated, he explained, “Trying to hinder someone, that’s cyclocross. But deliberately trying to knock another rider off the bike, that’s something else. That’s how it felt to me. On the way to the finish, he did it again—if I hadn’t braked, three of us could have crashed.”
Vanthourenhout’s anger didn’t stop at the incident itself. With emotions running high, he took a pointed jab at Kamp’s future in the sport, referencing his own contract security: “Of ik nog met Ryan zal babbelen? Ach…ik heb nog twee jaar contract. Ik weet niet hoe het bij hem is, maar we zullen zien wie het langst actief blijft.” In English: “Will I still talk to Ryan? Well… I have two years left on my contract. I don’t know about him, but we’ll see who stays active the longest.” It was a clear signal that the rivalry might extend beyond the muddy tracks of Kortrijk.
The Leiecross, always known for its tricky course and unpredictable turns, seemed to amplify tempers and tensions this year. Vanthourenhout, still reeling from his fall, admitted, “Ik wil mijn hele seizoen hier ook niet vergooien. Zolang het rechtdoor is, is het voor mij niet erg. Het is nu zo, morgen een nieuwe kans voor ons.” Or, “I don’t want to throw away my whole season here. As long as it’s straight, it’s fine for me. It is what it is now, tomorrow is a new chance for us.” He was determined not to let the incident define his campaign, but the sting was unmistakable.
But as with any high-profile sporting spat, there are always two sides to the story. Ryan Kamp, for his part, remained remarkably composed in the face of Vanthourenhout’s accusations. He calmly refuted any suggestion of foul play, insisting that what happened was a simple racing misjudgment rather than a calculated move. Kamp explained, “Ik denk niet dat het erover was. We zijn lang ploegmaats geweest en Michael is een aardige kerel. Zijn ploeg staat erom bekend dat ze ‘het spelletje spelen’, maar ik heb hen door en laat me niet doen.” In English: “I don’t think it was over the line. We’ve been teammates for a long time and Michael is a nice guy. His team is known for ‘playing the game,’ but I see through it and won’t be influenced.”
Kamp offered his perspective on the bridge incident, stating, “Wat er gebeurd is op de brug? Ik denk dat hij verwachtte dat ik aan zou gaan, maar ik hield net mijn benen stil. Daardoor maakte hij denk ik een inschattingsfout. Maar ik kan oprecht zeggen dat ik mijn remmen niet heb aangeraakt.” Translated: “What happened on the bridge? I think he expected me to accelerate, but I just held my legs still. I think he misjudged it. But I can honestly say I didn’t touch my brakes.” Kamp’s approach was to let bygones be bygones, adding, “Als ik hem zie, dan zal ik Michael de hand schudden en zeggen dat dergelijke zaken bij de koers horen.” Or, “If I see him, I’ll shake Michael’s hand and say that these things are part of racing.”
The cycling community quickly weighed in. Paul Herygers, a respected voice in the sport, suggested that Kamp’s account might be closer to the truth. He commented that what happened on the bridge was likely unintentional and pointed out that similar tactics—suddenly stopping pedaling at the head of the peloton—happen on the road and can catch riders off guard. “Het is wel levensgevaarlijk, Vanthourenhout miskeek er zich op,” Herygers noted, which means, “It is very dangerous, and Vanthourenhout misjudged it.” The implication was clear: while the move was risky, it may not have been malicious.
For those unfamiliar with the cut-and-thrust world of cyclocross, incidents like this are not uncommon. The sport is notorious for its elbows-out racing, technical obstacles, and split-second decisions that can make or break a rider’s day. But the boundary between aggressive tactics and unsporting behavior is always a hot topic. Vanthourenhout himself acknowledged as much, saying that hindering is part of the game, but crossing the line into dangerous territory is another matter entirely.
As for the future, the fallout from Kortrijk is sure to linger. Vanthourenhout’s pointed remarks about contracts and longevity hint at a rivalry that could simmer for seasons to come. Kamp’s measured response, meanwhile, positions him as the cool head in the storm, but only time will tell if these two can put the incident behind them—or if it will add a little extra spice to their next on-track encounter.
With the Leiecross now in the rearview mirror, both riders are looking ahead. Vanthourenhout, eager to move past the disappointment, is already focusing on the opportunities that lie ahead in the season. Kamp, too, appears ready to let his legs do the talking, confident that his version of events will stand up to scrutiny.
For fans, it’s the kind of drama that makes cyclocross so compelling. The mud may wash off, but the memories—and the rivalries—stick around. As the season rolls on, all eyes will be on Vanthourenhout and Kamp the next time their paths cross. Will there be fireworks, or will a handshake settle the score? Stay tuned—the road ahead promises more twists, turns, and perhaps a little less controversy next time out.
