As a cyclo-cross rider, Mathieu van der Poel is in a class of his own in the Netherlands. The multiple world champion will be missing next Sunday during the National Championships in Oisterwijk, just like world champion Fem van Empel from Den Dungen among the women. This offers opportunities for the rest of the field of participants, including Brabanders who hope for a podium spot.
Among the men, the absence of Van der Poel makes it difficult to identify a top favorite. Names mentioned are Lars van der Haar, Pim Ronhaar, Tibor del Grosso and Joris Nieuwenhuis.
The Brabant hope is based on Ryan Kamp (24) from Roosendaal and Veldhoven resident Corné van Kessel (33). Mees Hendrikx (24) from Valkenswaard also hopes for the podium.
Mees finished tenth at the last World Cup competition in Dendermonde, Belgium. “I was close to a place in the top ten a number of times, but now I have succeeded. Until the last lap I was even in seventh place.”
“My career was hanging by a thread.”
A year ago things looked very different for the Brabander. “I can be brief about last year, it was a dramatic season. I didn’t get further than eighteenth place. Everything that could go wrong, went wrong. I ended up in a downward spiral and mentally it became very difficult. My contract with Crelan-Corendon was not extended, my career was hanging by a thread.”
The German team Heizomat Radteam p/b Herrmann proved to be his salvation. “They saw potential in me and I gained confidence. In retrospect, I am very happy that I got in. There is a great collaboration with my trainer and team leader Nico Verhoeven. I prefer to drive for a slightly smaller team. I can participate in certain matters, such as which races I participate in and training camps.”
“Thanks to the new wind that has started to blow, I have found my way up.”
Mees belonged to the world top among the promising players, but among the elite it was disappointing. He is confident that he can come close to his then competitors again. “Thanks to the new wind that has started to blow, I have found my way up. I feel like I can take steps towards my top level and maybe even better.”
During the National Championships, Mees hopes to drive his best race of the season. “It’s quite close together at the top. Winning will be difficult, but I will be very happy if I reach the podium. I’m fully committed to that.”
The level among the women is very high despite the absence of Van Empel and title defender Lucinda Brand. Former world champion Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado and mountain bike world champion Puck Pieterse are favorites.
Just like seven-time Dutch champion Marianne Vos. The all-rounder from Babyloniënbroek is only riding her second cross of the season.
Inge van der Heijden also hopes for a podium spot. She is a regular face in the top ten of crosses. “Championships are special days, although I approach the National Championships as one of the competitions,” says Schaijkse.
“You compete for a jersey that you can wear for the rest of the year. There are a few girls who are above me in terms of level, but with a super good day I think it is possible to take home a medal. If that is not the case, then there is no shame behind such good cyclo-cross riders.”
READ ALSO: As a child, Inge went to her brothers’ cyclo-cross races, now she is a professional herself.
She trained a lot last summer and felt she has made progress. “At the beginning of the cross season not everything came out yet, but it got better and better. I am in a flow, have not had any setbacks and notice that I have found the connection with the top. Actually I only had one bad day and that was my eleventh place at the European Championships. Then I already had it.”
“I’m increasingly able to just let go of the brakes.”
In previous years, Schaijkse had difficulty in competitions with a lot of mud, but she is also performing well there this season.
“On a descent I have to have more confidence in my technique. It’s not that I haven’t mastered it, but I was often too careful. I lost it too often on that. Now I’m increasingly able to just let go of the brakes. I experience that things are getting better as a result and that creates confidence.”
The National Championships in Oisterwijk starts on Saturday, January 11 with competitions for the Novices, Masters and Amateurs. The Juniors start on Sunday morning, the elite & promising women start at 1:40 PM and the men start at 3:00 PM. The entrance is free.