National coach calls Pim Ronhaar's disappointing home European Championship race 'just a total disaster'

Ronhaar had finished fourth on the Koppenberg just last week, so he lined up at the start of the European Championships with high hopes. From the very beginning, however, it was clear that the Dutchman wasn't quite up to the task.

He was left behind right at the start and entered the race around 30th place out of a total of 35. He ultimately finished in 24th place. “Pim said his back was still bothering him a lot,” national team coach Gerben de Knegt explained to IDL Pro Cycling.

"It's kind of a recurring theme in his career," De Knegt sighs. "And that's a real shame. Just last week he finished fourth on the Koppenberg, so you know he's definitely in good form. But today it was just a total disaster—that much is clear."

Joris Nieuwenhuis, who finished fourth, was ultimately the top Dutch rider at the European Cyclocross Championships in Zeddam.

In no time, Nys built up a substantial lead, just before the 99 steps of Zeddam. Kühn and Wyseure joined forces to give chase, but Vanthourenhout, Vandeputte, Orts, Nieuwenhuis, and the others weren’t too far behind either. But when they started looking at each other, the gap suddenly widened considerably.

Nys held back for a long time, but picked up the pace shortly after entering the final lap. Wyseure had to let him pull away by a few meters, but the powerhouse was never far behind. He was right back on his heels on the stairs, but just as they hit the steps, Nys surged ahead and opened up a significant gap on Wyseure. He kept pushing hard, but you know Wyseure never gives up.

It was about three seconds. Nys took enormous risks and nearly fell. It gave Wyseure, who was chasing him, a glimmer of hope. But Nys still seemed unstoppable. Little by little, he pulled away, securing his victory. It was his second European Championship title. Wyseure finished second.