{"id":209835,"date":"2025-10-13T12:51:07","date_gmt":"2025-10-13T12:51:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/209835\/"},"modified":"2025-10-13T12:51:07","modified_gmt":"2025-10-13T12:51:07","slug":"dutch-rider-who-chased-down-own-teammate-at-gravel-worlds-now-says-she-regrets-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/209835\/","title":{"rendered":"Dutch rider who chased down own teammate at gravel worlds now says she regrets it"},"content":{"rendered":"

Yara Kastelijn has publicly expressed regret after her much-discussed move at the UCI gravel world championships on Saturday<\/a>. In the finale she helped close down a solo attack by her own teammate, Shirin van Anrooij. Speaking to WielerFlits<\/a> Kastelijn admitted she misjudged the situation in the final and understands the backlash.<\/p>\n

The finale<\/p>\n

\u201cI absolutely did not want to ride Shirin into losing,\u201d she said. \u201cSo, I just wanted to get the maximum out of my own race.\u201d At the time, Van Anrooij was alone in front and appearing destined for the world title. Then, Kastelijn moved to the head of the chase group and drove the pace. That enabled Lorena Wiebes and Marianne Vos to come back and contest the sprint. Wiebes went on to win gold. Kastelijn finished fourth and Van Anrooij fifth.<\/p>\n

In UCI Women Gravel worlds final we got Yara Kastelijn (NED) closing on Shirin van Anrooij (NED) so that Lorena Wiebes (NED) can win the sprint vs Vos (NED)<\/p>\n

What the hellpic.twitter.com\/Tg0ZHu7ndR<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 La Flamme Rouge (@laflammerouge16) October 11, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

The Dutchwoman now concedes she misunderstood the tactical nuance of a gravel world championship. \u201cLaurens ten Dam, our national coach, had emphasized beforehand that the gravel worlds are not raced with the same mentality as a road European championship. Maybe I interpreted that a bit too literally,\u201d she said. \u201cI learn from moments like this. I have since apologized to Shirin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMisunderstanding\u201d<\/p>\n

At the time, Kastelijn believed a podium was still within reach. \u201cWell, I was completely focused on my own race and thought a medal was possible,\u201d she explained, adding she hadn\u2019t realized Silvia Persico was closing from behind. \u201cOnly later, when I watched the footage, did I realize it wasn\u2019t the smartest action.\u201d<\/p>\n

After the race there was quite a scene. Van Anrooij, emotional at the finish, struggled to hide her disappointment. \u201cSo, I think I was strong enough to stay away. And become world champion,\u201d she told WielerFlits. \u201cI believe this was my chance, and it was taken from me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The top Canadian in the elite women\u2019s race was national champion Devon Clarke who finished a very\u00a0 solid 23rd.<\/p>\n