European Championship sensation Felipe Orts victorious in Dutch cyclo-cross, Kamp impressive runner-up at comeback

Almost all the big names were absent Saturday in North Brabant. The men did have Niels Vandeputte and Felipe Orts at the start. Niels is having an excellent cyclo-cross season. In his last six races, he has been in the top five every time, including two second and a third place. The Spaniard Orts stunted a week ago with a second place at the European Championships in his own country.

Another noteworthy name in Rucphen was Ryan Kamp. The Dutchman had a tumultuous start to his season. For example, Eli Iserbyt destroyed his bike after colliding during the cyclo-cross in Beringen, Belgium. A week later, Kamp crashed at the start in Ruddervoorde. It caused a massive crash, with Kamp himself the most significant setback. He rested to recover from his wounds and returned three weeks later in Rucphen.

The race ended up being primarily a battle between Orts and Kamp. The Spaniard had not yet lost his European Championship legs and quickly pushed for the decision. He ran out to an excellent advantage, but Kamp did not give up easily. Towards the last lap, the Dutchman seemed to find the connection again. However, Orts did not panic and eventually secured the victory.

Among the women, the victory went to the Belgian Verdonschot. Initially, she rode in the lead with Leonie Bentveld. However, she left the Dutch rider behind with three laps to go, after which she completed it with a fine solo. Behind Verdonschot and Bentveld, Aniek van Alphen decided to battle with Manon Bakker to place three in her favor.