In the 'Riders from the Region' series, IDL editor Youri van den Berg is keen to share the story of either active or retired cyclists from the Netherlands. Previously, we shared the story of Rob van Broekhoven, and in this second episode, the focus is on cyclo-cross rider Stan Godrie. A portrait!
Thursday, December 8, 5:00 PM: 30-year-old Godrie, currently riding for the Orange Babies Cycling Team, takes the time for a chat with this website in Rucphen after his race registration and before his recon. In his van, we discuss various things over a welcome cup of coffee - it is indeed bitter cold during the Cyclo-cross Rucphen. Godrie is a rider with a story. As a youth, he made an impression with various top results, with highlights including a third place at the 2015 U23 World Championships, a bronze medal at the 2011 U23 European Championships, and the Dutch national title at the U23 National Championships in 2015.
As a youth, Godrie regularly finished just behind riders like Van Aert, Van der Poel and Vanthourenhout
Back in the day, Godrie wasn't just competing with ordinary cyclists; he regularly outpaced notable names like Joris Nieuwenhuis, Quinten Hermans and Toon Aerts. For instance, consider the U23 category at the World Cup race in Heusden-Zolder on December 26, 2013. Mathieu van der Poel beat Wout van Aert, while Godrie impressively clinched fifth place, just twenty seconds behind. Notably, he finished ahead of talents like Gianni Vermeersch, David van der Poel, Michael Vanthourenhout and Laurens Sweeck. Another example was the World Cup in Valkenburg on October 20, 2013, where Vanthourenhout took the victory, followed by Van Aert and Van der Poel on the podium, and Godrie secured a commendable fourth place, once again outperforming several current top riders. Clearly, Godrie was a standout talent from the start.
Nowadays, Godrie may not be a regular in the top five, but he's still a rider who frequently gets drafted by Dutch national coach Gerben de Knegt. Discussing his current season, Godrie shares, "Being selected for the Dutch team is always an honor. That's why I find it rewarding to travel far for World Cup events, especially since the tracks abroad are often quite spectacular, like Val di Sole or Troyes. These destinations influence my racing schedule. However, I did deliberately skip the World Cup in Dublin, as that particular course wasn't really my cup of tea."
World Cup has the highest priority for Godrie
For Stan Godrie, originally from Zundert, the Cyclo-cross World Cup is his primary focus. He explains, "My entire racing schedule is built around the World Cup since those courses really play to my strengths. I'm aiming to compete in most of the series. But with such a commitment, it's tough to squeeze in many other races. The Christmas period, for instance, is particularly hectic with numerous standalone cyclo-cross events." He adds, reflecting on his crowded end-of-year calendar, "I'm not the type to race multiple events weekly and keep that up all season. Rest is crucial for me, so I usually opt for just one race each weekend."
A glance at Godrie's recent results reveals a mixed season. He started off with a bang, winning at the International GGEW Grand Prix Bensheim. However, replicating that success in subsequent international events proved challenging. Godrie admits, "I'm not completely happy with my performance so far. That win at Bensheim was a high point, but I've been struggling to hit that mark again in international races. I'm still working hard to get back to that level."
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"Reflecting on his recent performances, Godrie notes a shift from last year. "I had some solid runs in the international World Cup races last year, often landing near the top twenty. This season, though, I find myself hovering just outside the top thirty," he shares, with a hint of self-reflection. "I'm really aiming to get back to targeting top twenty finishes. It may seem a bit of a stretch right now, but it's a goal I'm determined to keep pursuing."
In January, Godrie heads to Spain (Benidorm) for a multi-day trip
Godrie doesn't have a clear explanation for why his results in September and October were somewhat lackluster. "I've often struggled to catch my breath, both in training and during races. Sometimes I found myself gasping for air as early as the first round. I don't have a specific reason for this. Thankfully, it's been getting much better lately. It gradually improved through breathing exercises, but it took about four weeks in total. At least it's nice to start feeling good again and to feel stronger than I did during that period. However, the real confirmation of my improvement is yet to come," he says, revealing his ambitious side.
A significant number of cyclo-cross riders head to Spain (or another Southern European country) for a multi-day training camp in December (or January). For Godrie, a trip south doesn't seem likely for now, though he hopes to arrange something towards the end of the season. "A week in the sun isn't really on the cards for me. What I might try is to stay in Spain a bit longer, either the week before or after the World Cup race in Benidorm (Sunday, January 21st). That would be my only trip abroad."
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"I think the guys heading off for training camps are going to benefit a lot from it," he comments when asked about his view on the development of the level difference in the mid-pack. "On the other hand, the rest period they're taking, I've essentially already had that. By skipping the Dublin cross, for example. I also didn't race in Flamanville, giving me two relatively calm weekends. That was when I could focus on training, effectively creating a sort of mini-camp for myself. Thanks to that break, I was able to build up my condition, which helps, for instance, during the busy Christmas period. I'm convinced I'll benefit from this, although it still remains to be seen in the upcoming races."
Top youth results do not create much extra pressure for Godrie
As mentioned in the opening paragraphs, Godrie boasts an impressive youth track record. This is similar to someone like Ryan Kamp, who told IDLProCycling.com in November that such a background does bring a certain amount of pressure. Godrie, who is from the same region as Kamp, feels that the pressure isn't too intense for him. "I race with a healthy tension. Still, I do occasionally think back to my youth days, especially when I race on a course where I won or had a good finish as a youth. This season's Cyclo-cross World Championship is in Tabór, which is where I took third place in the U23 World Championship in 2015. Those memories definitely resurface, but it's not something I dwell on week after week. That period is behind me. I have the knowledge and experience, but I'm not really focused on the past. My goal and focus are squarely on the here and now."
"In cycling, it' all about the results," he continues about the performance pressure usually present in cycling. "But for me, it's definitely true that you can be satisfied without a strong result. For example, if you make significant technical progress or make a strong comeback after a mishap, you can still consider it a successful endeavor. At least, that's my approach. I sometimes race to get into the spotlight. That can even be a goal in itself. During the period when I was struggling for breath, that was actually perfect. By starting fast, I could still manage to make an impression."
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Cyclo-cross, mountain biking, gravel riding, road cycling (and bike repairing)
Godrie, who rode for Rabobank's development team between 2013 and 2016, enjoys a bit of variety. "That's partly why I definitely want to keep up with gravel riding and mountain biking in 2024. Last year I already participated in some offroad races, and I really enjoyed it, especially on the mountain bike. I'm also very happy with my results. Looking towards 2024, I've planned to focus on, say, marathon mountain bike races one month and a few road races the next month. That way, I've marked specific months for all my personal goals and ambitions. This approach worked well for me in 2023."
"At the time of writing, Godrie is 30 years old (he'll be blowing out 31 candles in January). He's certainly not thinking about retiring from racing yet, although discussing potential future plans (and side jobs) is always intriguing. "I've worked as a bike mechanic before. I still do, but now for my own bikes. I really enjoy working with equipment, so it makes sense," says the amiable West Brabant native. "I like having my own gear in tip-top shape. A lot of time goes into that. It's a time-consuming hobby, but incredibly enjoyable. The time investment doesn't bother me when it's something I love. With training, traveling, and resting included, my week is always full."
"After my career, I'd ideally like to continue as a bike mechanic. Definitely something in the bicycle industry," he concludes. "If I could work for a bike brand, that would be amazing. I enjoy being part of this world, so it's an easy choice for me. I haven't taken any specific bike mechanic courses, but I've come a long way through experience. My formal education is in Commercial Economics. Right now, if I had to choose, I don't see myself going in that direction. Unless it's something to do with marketing for a bike brand!"
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