Kamp defeats Thijs Aerts and secures first season victory in Rucphen: "But World Cup remains the most important."

The Cyclocross Rucphen, now a C2 race, proved to be a triumph for Ryan Kamp on Thursday evening. For the 22-year-old cyclist from Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal, the West Brabant race felt like a home event, given that he resides in Roosendaal. IDLProCycling.com had the opportunity to chat with the amiable rider both before and after the cross!

Let's briefly revisit a recent moment in time—Sunday, November 12—when we also interviewed Kamp in Dendermonde. At that point, he expressed satisfaction with his cyclocross season, despite encountering some unfortunate incidents. With several top-ten finishes and a fifth-place result at the European Cyclocross Championships, he was content. However, Kamp acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly within the context of 'new school' cyclocross approaches.

Kamp once became Dutch U23 champion in Rucphen

Between Dendermonde and Rucphen, Kamp participated in three more races: the UCI Cyclocross World Cups in Troyes (fifth), Dublin (seventh), and Flamanville (eighth). On Sunday, December 10, he will compete in the snow cross in Val di Sole, Italy. So, what prompted his participation in Rucphen? "Firstly, because I genuinely enjoy the course, and of course, it's a home race. I was once crowned Dutch U23 champion in Rucphen, so I have fond memories of this track. Additionally, Camiel van den Bergh, the race organizer, is my trainer, so it's also a bit of a return favor.

"I told Camiel that I'd be happy to participate if he wanted me to, and that's how it came about," continued the rider from Raamsdonksveer. "I also appreciate the fact that it's an evening cross. That aspect is and remains something special. I think the Night of Woerden is also very cool."

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Getting a podium finish was Kamp's main goal in Rucphen

Leading up to the race, Kamp was consistently touted as the absolute top favorite by the outside world. Despite his modesty, he refrained from getting too ahead of himself, stating, "I don't dare say anything about that. It all still has to be ridden, after all. But it is true that I have good prospects. The field is different here than, say, a World Cup race, so the style of riding is also distinct.

"Competitors like Lander Loockx, Thijs Aerts, Mees Hendrikx, and Daan Soete should also perform well here. These riders should never be underestimated, and they might emerge victorious in a race like this. I shouldn't dream too much because then it won't work out, but the goal is to aim for the podium. However, Sunday is the most important day for me," he concluded in his preview.

First season win for Kamp, who competes in snowcross in Val di Sole on Sunday

A few hours later, anticipation built for what Kamp could showcase "in front of his own audience." As events unfolded, it became clear that he had much to offer. In the early stages of the race, it appeared he was poised to engage in a duel for the win with Aerts, although Loockx and Hendrix also intermittently entered the mix. Ultimately, Kamp and Aerts successfully distanced themselves, with the Dutchman spreading his wings and surging ahead of his southern neighbor.

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In IDLProCycling.com, the victor returned to his motorhome after securing his first win of the season. "Initially, I had a calm first half of the race in mind," he began his post-race analysis. "However, Aerts made a bold move right from the start, forcing me to chase him. Moreover, I didn't have a very good start, so I had to make up ground. Subsequently, we both hesitated a few times, not wanting to lead. Consequently, Loockx and Hendrikx kept closing the gap. It became a bit of a poker game again. However, I suspected that it would come down to Thijs and me. Thijs was the one pushing the pace, and each time he did, we remained at the front.

About halfway through the course, an opportunity presented itself for me to create a gap. It felt like the right moment to give it a shot. It wasn't a significant acceleration; more like maintaining a higher pace when I had a few meters in front. I encountered some difficulty maintaining the gap, especially with Thijs riding so fast. I was hoping he would falter somewhere. In the last two laps, it became evident that it was getting tougher for him, and my lead was growing. I could observe it myself, as this course has many turns, serving as convenient reference points. I'm thrilled that I could finish like this in the end. On to Val di Sole!