Gerben Kuypers surprises everyone with a good sixth place at the World Cup: “Toughest race I’ve ever ridden”

Kuypers also surprised himself, because the run-up to this World Cup was not perfect. “Last week I was under a lot of stress. My back was also completely blocked, so I didn’t feel well this week.”

Gerben Kuypers came to the start with a small heart, but also with a portion of confidence. “The previous weeks were good, so I just had to believe in myself. I also know that I’m not the best starter, but I drove my own pace throughout the race. From the moment I had a few meters, I didn’t hesitate for a second.”

“I didn’t have breath left to talk to Michael because this is by far the toughest race I’ve ever ridden. In the chase we went a bit over our limit, but I was able to hold on and only Iserbyt and van der Hair came upon us.”

This race provides a huge boost. “Normally I always let myself be done too much and I put myself at the back of the group. But I thought this is the head of my life, so I tried to grab the head every now and then. I really enjoyed this World Cup.”