Battling it out for the U23 title amongst the pros, U23 world champion Joris Nieuwenhuis (NED) secured the Dutch national cyclo-cross title today, taking Team Sunweb's second national title in as many days. After the race, Nieuwenhuis said: "I was with a group of three guys until the last lap so it was a real battle until the end. Everyone wanted the title so I had to power through each and every lap, racing none stop until the finish. Each time I took a gap riders were coming back so I really had to go for it throughout. I nearly got caught out by a flat tyre on the second-to-last lap but I managed to salvage the situation and take my lead back. It was full gas from start to finish and I'm really pleased that I was able to take the national title today." Team Sunweb coach Herman Snoeijink (NED) added: "It was a battle between three for the U23 title today, with all three riders staying together for the majority of the race. With two laps to go Joris got a puncture and one of the guys rode away from him but he managed to come back pretty quick, attack, and retake his position at the front of the race. Tactically, Joris did a fantastic job and to walk away with the title after a challenging season is a real great boost for morale ahead of the world championships." |