Kamp werd geholpen door gebroeders Roodhooft, maar luidt ook noodklok: 'Veldrijden zit niet in stijgende lijn' indeleiderstrui.nl/veldrijden/kam…
Open-hearted Mees Hendrikx rings personal alarm bell: "Chances are high I won't be professional anymore in March"
CyclingFriday, 12 January 2024 at 15:39
In the "Renners uit de streek" series, IDL editor Youri van den Berg enjoys sharing stories about cyclists from North Brabant, whether they are still active or have retired. Following episodes featuring Rob van Broekhoven and Stan Godrie, this third long read centers around Mees Hendrikx. In an extensive one-on-one interview, the candid Hendrikx, once celebrated as one of Holland's greatest cyclocross talents, reveals that the current circumstances are markedly different.
Hendrikx is a familiar name in the world of cyclocross. The 23-year-old cyclist from Corelan-Corendon achieved notable success in the youth categories, including a bronze medal at the 2020 Under-23 World Championships behind Ryan Kamp and Kevin Kuhn. His final victory in the U23 World Cup in 2022 hinted at a promising future. However, the present reality tells a different story. In his second full season with the elite men, Hendrikx is not meeting the expected standards. "So far, this season has fallen short of my expectations. Personally, it's quite disappointing. I had anticipated more," he shared with us ahead of the X2O Trophy in Koksijde.
Frank Hendrikx lacks clear explanation for underwhelming seasons at elite level
"I unfortunately have no explanation for it," he continued when pressed for insights. "That's somewhat the issue. My season as a senior pledge was exceptionally strong, and I genuinely believed I was ready to progress to the next level. Last year was a bit disappointing, but there were positive moments. This season, however, has lacked any notable peaks. I faced injuries last summer, along with other challenges, leaving me far from the level I aspire to. pinpointing the exact reasons, though, is something I'm hesitant to do."
Undoubtedly, Hendrikx is enduring a challenging season. For someone who was once celebrated as a top talent, such a downturn is especially disheartening. "Mentally, I've always been quite resilient. Even so, I've been consulting with a mental coach for years, a practice that has become increasingly standard within the team and cyclocross in general. It's not solely in response to this disappointing year, but when I compare how things were two years ago to now, it's a world of difference."
Read more below the Instagram post!
Kamp and Ronhaar made the move; I find myself a bit behind
The rider from Valkenswaard mentions that he typically doesn't compare seasons, but these days, he can't seem to avoid it. Eventually, you start evaluating your U23 results among the elite riders. Unconsciously, you become preoccupied with it. If you can't reach the same level as before, you begin questioning why. The outstanding results achieved in youth categories bring a certain pressure. Back then, Hendrikx could compete with riders like Kamp and Pim Ronhaar, both now fixtures in the top ten of elite riders. Secretly, expectations rise. Pim and Ryan have made the leap; I lag behind a bit. Naturally, you impose a significant amount of pressure on yourself. If things don't pan out, it's even more disappointing.
What is Hendrikx's specific weakness in cyclocross? "It's not because of my start, which has been quite good lately. I believe I can actually capitalize on that strong start. It's purely a physical aspect in my case. Sometimes, I'm unable to hold onto someone's wheel when riding in their slipstream," he accurately noted. "Before the season, I didn't have specific results in mind. However, I had hoped to consistently secure a spot in the top ten or fifteen. Competing for notable positions, with occasional standout performances. Unfortunately, that hasn't materialized this year."
Hendrikx is uncertain about his future as professional cyclist, echoing similarities to Ryan Kamp's story.
As we delved into various topics, our conversation eventually turned to Hendrikx's road ambitions. Having ridden for years with the Alpecin-Deceuninck training team, he quickly shared some surprising information. "My contract is set to expire on Feb. 28. So, officially, I'm a pro for just two more months on paper. Currently, I don't have a new contract either, making it a significant question mark whether I'll continue as a pro after March 1. The uncertainty is truly challenging."
Hendrikx's predicament appears indicative of the current landscape in cyclocross. Interestingly, his story also mirrors that of compatriot Kamp, who recently navigated a unique transfer deal to prolong his cyclocross career (with assistance from the Roodhooft brothers). "Now, I need to focus on delivering the best possible results and making myself appealing to certain teams. I have to prove myself. However, seeing how things unfolded for Ryan highlights how truly challenging it is," Hendrikx acknowledges. 'Ryan is an immense talent and faced incredible difficulty securing a new contract. For me, this means there's a considerable chance I'll continue as a pro beyond March 1. That possibility is very much on the table.'
Read more below the tweet!
Can Hendrikx sustain his career as professional cyclist? Exploring work and studying as serious alternatives
The reality is challenging for Hendrikx, whose future seemed promising not too long ago. "With the National Championship and the World Championships still ahead, crucial competitions are on the horizon, though I still need to qualify for the World Championships. I haven't met the qualification criteria yet. Reflecting on my past performances, I can confidently say that I excel in championships and can surpass my own limits on those days. I must draw hope from that as I approach upcoming races. Undoubtedly, the National Championship holds significant importance, and I plan to continue my season until after the World Championships, completing the entire season. Post-World Championships, I'll participate in everything, as has become somewhat of a standard. So, after March 1, it's a matter of wait and see."
Discussing his (sporting) future, he adds, "Finding a bike, a jersey, and a pair of pants is obviously not that challenging. However, covering all the expenses at the end of the month makes it much tougher. I genuinely enjoy participating in gravel races, although the feasibility of such endeavors remains uncertain. Returning to college is another option I need to consider. In case cycling doesn't work out, various thoughts cross my mind. Do I return to work, or do I pursue something else? There's a lot on my plate at the moment. It's far from an easy period. The upcoming months will be pivotal. We're keeping our fingers crossed for you, Mees!"
Below are the first two articles in the 'Renners uit de streek' series!
Il Lombardia 2024
The Pogacar effect: How Tadej has shaped the career of Matthews in a crucial way
Can Decathlon AG2R's big budget strike back against the 'Big Four' this spring?
🎥 Van Aert trains with Soete and 11-year-old Loic Wynants in preparation for clash with Van der Poel in Mol
Preview Superprestige Mol 2024 | Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert finally go head-to-head
Froome hints at retirement at Vuelta in 2025: "It would be a great way to close the circle"
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The Pogacar effect: How Tadej has shaped the career of Matthews in a crucial way
Can Decathlon AG2R's big budget strike back against the 'Big Four' this spring?
🎥 Van Aert trains with Soete and 11-year-old Loic Wynants in preparation for clash with Van der Poel in Mol
Preview Superprestige Mol 2024 | Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert finally go head-to-head
Froome hints at retirement at Vuelta in 2025: "It would be a great way to close the circle"
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Latest Comments
- Well explained, thanks for the clarity! Daniel DantasDanieldantas20-12-2024
- This is the kind of 'news' that belongs in a cheap tabloid. No matter how boring the offseason gets, nobody wants to read this.
santiagobenites19-12-2024 - I wish we could have seen him try. He'd absolutely get dropped before Pogi overtakes his domestiquesVeganpotter10-12-2024
- Talk is cheap! Next year barring crashes with a healthy team... all well be on track! Some need to talk to make a headline!mootman27-11-2024
- I do not see this event listed on HBO Max Sports Online? Can anyone confirm? Thanks!
MrYuck23-11-2024 - It seemed that he was focusing forward at the time of the crash, after seeing a quick video snippet. But one thing I think he should focus on more intently is breaking a bad habit he has, right now. And that is his constant looking over his shoulders. He does that so much, that I am very sure it is not good for him. Simply watch videos of the greats of CX and you will see very little of that constant looking over their shoulders. That is a behavior that betrays a bit of insecurity on his part. He shouldn't be so concerned, incessantly, about what is over his shoulder. He needn't worry they didn't all disappear. He neds to keep his focus more ahead of himself, and he needs to pay a bit more attention to himself, in a confident manner. It is very frustrating to watch, because it is apparent that he has a lot of potential, and is in much better shape thwan many of his competitors, but the mental game needs to be sharpened more, because that part of strategy plays a huge part in the final results
reemmo022-11-2024 - hahahaha love this shit! I didnt even watched the race, but reading all the gossip articles of how stupid this is!Zatoichi19-11-2024
- Van Aert is really handsome. He can influence me all day! Ditto for Philipsen. Why do you think many of us love cycling?: to see heroic attempts at climbing mountains at high altitudes or to watch speedsters sprint for the finish line or to watch a human being ride at break neck speed down a tricky descent? No, it's all about their lean physiques and muscular legs. (apologies for objectifying these dedicated and amazing athletes).BarwonHeadsUp25-10-2024
- It is unfortunate that the author can't feel the joy that Pogacar brings to the sport and his fans who are legion and I for one feel lucky to have watched such a memorable performance and historic season From the Strada until yesterday with multiple wins in stages in both tours and beyond dominance in the World's. He is proud to wear the Rainbow stripes, shows his leadership to protect his fellows and is as courteous and sportsman-like as the sport allows. He goes early to not have to respond to each attack as all the rest would make him do it. Any racer who could would do the same. Don't "grow tired" of greatness as it is always fleeting.ccrider13-10-2024
- What load of rubbish. Pog is likely a once in a generation cyclist, the like of which hasn't been seen since 'the Cannibal '. How many people were complaining that Merckx was making racing predictable? I remember this year's World RR as one of the most exciting I've watched. Mainly BECAUSE Pog was the favourite and launched what everyone thought (Pog included) was a suicidal attack with 80km to go. For the next 2 hours, I was on the edge of my seat thinking "this is too much, even for Pog". Maybe Zonnefeld prefers the snooze-fest that is a bunch sprint? Like most people I know, I can't watch two hours of the bunch riding very fast... I wait for the final 5km and watch just the sprint. In any event, most races are won from a sprint or lone break. What difference does it make who makes the lone break? Ultimately, the other contenders will have to figure out a way to beat Pog. Even if that means collaboration between teams. It's going to be an exciting few seasons, until the next Pog arrives on the scene. If this is boring, heaven knows what exciting looks like!Michael513-10-2024