Michael Vanthourenhout apologises to Cameron Mason after heated ‘F*ck you!’ clash

Michael Vanthourenhout has apologised to Cameron Mason after their heated exchange following Thursday evening’s Superprestige race in Middelkerke. 

The Belgian, who finished second on Thursday, confronted Mason after the finish following an incident on the eighth lap. 

However, Vanthourenhout has since acknowledged his actions were out of line and that Mason was not at fault. The Belgian confirmed he had contacted the British champion to apologise.

"I rewatched the footage myself and saw that Cameron did nothing wrong," Vanthourenhout said during a Belgian national team press conference ahead of the European Championships.

"I immediately sent Cameron a message to apologise, and he has accepted it. As far as I’m concerned, that chapter is closed." 

The incident happened on the eighth of ten laps, when the British champion made a move up the inside past Vanthourenhout before a small incline. 

Vanthourenhout appeared frustrated by Mason’s move before leaning towards the British champion. Moments later, the Belgian lost his balance and crashed, slipping to the back of the leading group.

Mason suffered a crash on the planks later in the lap, before Vanthourenhout fought his way back to second place during the final lap. 

The Belgian was ultimately unable to move ahead of in-form Joran Wyseure, who claimed his second victory of the season. Mason finished fourth, behind Swiss champion Kevin Kuhn in third. 

After the finish, Vanthourenhout’s frustrations continued as the Belgian confronted and shouted at the British champion. 

Vanthourenhout received a fine of 250 Swiss Francs for his aggression. In his post-race interview, Vanthourenhout attempted to explain his reaction. 

"It was in the heat of the battle. I don't think he should come past on the inside just before that little hill, but it's a move that's allowed," Vanthourenhout said post-race. 

"I lost my balance and suddenly found myself in sixth or seventh. It's very difficult to get back to the front from there."

Subsequent viewing of the race footage changed Vanthourenhout’s perspective, with the Belgian taking responsibility and confirming Mason had accepted his apology. 

The duo will both be in contention for Sunday’s European championships in Zeddam, with Mason starting on the second row of the grid, just behind Vanthourenhout.   

The Belgian is a two-time European title winner, having won in 2022 and 2023. Mason finished runner-up behind the Belgian in 2023.