Pim Ronhaar looks ahead to the upcoming cyclo-cross races and is not afraid: "I am a powerhouse"

The barriers left their mark on the race during the European Cyclo-cross Championships. Thibay Nys jumped over them, but due to exhaustion, Felipe Orts no longer dared to do so. The Belgian ran off with the victory. Similarly, Mae Cabaca saw her medal chances go up in smoke during the junior race due to a crash over the barriers. Marten Schuurman and Koen Timmermans asked Ronhaar about his jumping skills in their podcast. "I'm not a super jumper, but it's faster. So if I can jump, I will. But I prefer to run."

According to Ronhaar, jumping over barriers is an evolution of the sport. "When I was a new rider, not many jumped, but now the question is who jumps the fastest." He doesn't think introducing new obstacles that force riders off their bikes is necessary. "Cyclo-cross is a sport that is competed on a course, and nature does with it what nature does. When it rains, we ride through the mud; when it snows through the snow, and when it freezes, it's a high-speed lap."

His down-to-earth view of the world helps Ronhaar, especially in difficult times, such as the summer he's been through. His family plays an important role, even more so at such times. "For me, it's a requirement for success." Lars van der Haar is also essential as a mentor. "He has already been through a lot in his career, and I often ask him for advice. He has also said he wants my coach after his career."

Despite the problematic summer and his crash into a ravine in early October, Ronhaar is looking ahead to the upcoming crosses. "I'm fearless." And he's making rain dances because a muddy cross sounds good. "That's real cyclo-cross. It suits me better, too, so I don't know exactly. Because how do you ride through the mud? No idea. It will be a combination of circumstances. I once said in a NOS interview, "I'm a powerhouse." Maybe that's it."

The Dutchman also spoke about the future generation of cyclo-cross riders. "I support the guys at the back - with one bike and wire straps because those are the young talents who will win the cyclo-crosses soon. I think parents have to be very careful. My father was always down-to-earth in that respect. Of course, he took good care of me, but when I went to Belgium for a cyclo-cross, I carried just about two bikes and two sets of wheels. At the same time, some guys arrived there with a camper with four bikes and twelve sets of wheels. It gets more and more crazy. The downside now, with all these numbers, wattages, and other tools, is that it's getting harder and harder for a rider without a wattage meter, without a trainer, and without accurately weighing his nutrition to turn pro. And that is a real pity. Having fun remains the most important thing."