Joris Nieuwenhuis embraces a new mindset: Valuing fun over results and admiring Mathieu Van der Poel in awe

Nieuwenhuis said that in Namur, he didn't find the flow he had in Merksplas, Boom, or Val di Sole - the cyclo-cross races he won this winter. "It was definitely tough. I had a pretty good start, was in seventh or eighth position early on, and managed to move up quickly. Soon it was just the two of us leading, and Pim and I were pushing hard, but I soon saw Tom closing in."

The INEOS Brit was clearly on another level, Nieuwenhuis also concluded. "I tried to stay in his wheel for a bit, but I quickly realized I needed to ride at my own pace." This wasn’t a surprise to him. "I knew he was going to be very strong here. On these kinds of circuits, it becomes very difficult to beat someone like him because he can utilize his power even more."

Nieuwenhuis was the first to admit that he had given it his all. "I didn’t feel super, actually. I think I had a bit of a cold. My nose was also somewhat blocked, so I was just breathing through my mouth," said the Baloise Trek Lions rider. "But otherwise, it was just good, the form is still definitely there. But I didn’t have that extra edge, that feeling of being totally in the zone. I had that in other races, when I could just really do my own thing and it felt like a blur. Now, after four laps, I thought: 'f*ck, we still have four to go."

Looking back to last week when the Dutchman clinched his first World Cup victory in Italy, does Nieuwenhuis feel any different waking up on Monday? He says no. "To be honest, it doesn't really change much for me, but I guess that's part of my mindset," the ex-road cyclist explains. "I've shifted my approach. Now, I'm not racing purely for victories; I compete because I truly love the sport. Winning is a bonus; the real priority for me is enjoying the experience.”

Nieuwenhuis also finds joy in watching the sport, like when he caught Mathieu van der Poel's impressive performance in the Herentals cross on Saturday. "Watching Mathieu was fantastic. It's not just about competing; I love watching the sport too. His skill is something I admire a lot. Watching him, I'm always in awe, and I keep hoping to see others like Wout van Aert catch up and create thrilling battles," he reflects.

With his recent triumph in the season's sole snow cross, Nieuwenhuis is now a name to watch for the potential snow World Championships in Tábor, Czech Republic. Yet, he's hesitant to embrace the 'Ice Man' moniker for now. "You can call me 'Ice Man' if I win there," he says with a laugh. "Competing for the title in the Czech Republic would be fantastic, but I'm aware a World Championship is special due to its visibility. I'm excited but staying realistic; I won't be putting all my eggs in that basket," he adds, balancing realism with ambition.