Despite Van Empel’s absence, Dutch riders continue to dominate cyclocross. At the UCI World Cup Koksijde, the top 8 riders were Dutch. The winner that day, Lucinda Brand, has won 13 out of the 15 races she has participated in this season, while Mathieu van der Poel is unrivaled in the men’s field.
De Knegt also highlighted encouraging results from younger riders. “With two podium places for Cas Timmermans and Delano Heeren among the junior men, third place for Isis Versluis in the junior women’s race, and victory for David Haverdings in the under-23 category, TeamNL performed very strongly,” he said.
Looking ahead to upcoming UCI World Cup round to be held in Gavere, it is expected to be less muddy compared to other years. “That will definitely make for a different race, but Gavere is definitely a classic on the calendar where it’s difficult to win. I think sand courses suit us as Dutchmen.”