Puck Pieterse shines at Dutch National Championships: "I knew I was doing well"

This Sunday, the Dutch National Championships Cyclo-cross were dominated by Deceuninck riders. Tibor Del Grosso took the men’s title in Alpecin-Deceuninck colors, while 22-year-old Puck Pieterse delivered an equally impressive performance that allowed her to win the elite women’s race for Fenix-Deceuninck just 90 minutes earlier. It was Pieterse’s second elite national title, and after the race, she reflected on her victory in an interview with IDLProCycling.com.

While the men’s race was thrilling down to the final corner, the women’s race saw its decisive moment in the first lap. Pieterse opened up a commanding gap within minutes, capitalizing on a mistake by Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado, and extended her lead to well over a minute by the finish. Was the race a walk in the park for Pieterse? Literally, perhaps, as some sections required running instead of riding. "This course could never feel easy," Pieterse explained. "With all that pushing and running."

How did she experience the opening lap and the race as a whole? "It went well. I found my rhythm and could race my way, so I’m happy with that. Leonie Bentveld had a strong start, but after the running section, I overtook her. From that point on, I just rode my race. I got time updates, so I knew I was doing well," Pieterse shared.

The crowd in Oisterwijk, which was hosting the race, was enthusiastic, and Pieterse made a special point to thank them afterward. "When you’re increasing your lead, you can take a moment to enjoy it. I didn’t expect so many people to be here. It was really packed, and that’s really cool," she said. "It would’ve been even better if it had been broadcast on TV since national championships usually draw a good audience. But I’m glad so many people made the effort to come out and watch."

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Pieterse would like to trade red-white-blue for rainbow jersey

After the race, the conversation inevitably turned to the absence of Fem van Empel and Lucinda Brand. "Everyone knows they weren’t here, but once I’m wearing that jersey, people won’t care who was or wasn't competing. I’m just happy to have it on my shoulders," said the smiling champion. "A national jersey holds a lot of value in Belgium and the Netherlands, so it feels more special than a mountain bike title."

Still, Pieterse has her eyes set on an even bigger prize: the rainbow jersey at the World Championships in Liévin, France, in three weeks. "I’ve never hidden the fact that it’s my main goal this season. We’ve grown closer as a group this year, and there have already been so many great races, so the opportunities are there. I feel like I’ve taken another step forward during the Christmas period," said the motivated and confident rider.

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