“Fun remains the most important thing” – Pim Ronhaar discusses the current state of cyclocross

Pim Ronhaar has been the subject of a number of setbacks in recent weeks, but he’s fighting to come back stronger from these incident. He recently went on the Kopstart podcast to discuss what has been an up and down year the 23 year old Dutchman, who rides for Baloise - Trek Lions.

At the European Cyclocross championships, Ronhaar struggled with jumping over the beams, something that eventual winner Thibau Nys managed very well. “I’m not a super jumper, but it is faster. So if I can jump, I do. But I prefer to run,” Ronhaar explained. “When I first became a rider, there weren’t many jumps, but now the question is who jumps the fastest.”

Ronhaar, who won 2 World Cup races this time last year, also discussed his relationship with the veteran Lars van der Haar, who has twice won the European Championships. “He has already experienced a lot in his career, and I often ask him for advice. He also said that he wants to be my coach after his career.”

The Dutchman also discussed the current state of cyclocross, and addressed how difficult it is for those in the early stages of their career, “I really support the guys at the back, with one bike and wire tires, because they are the young talents who will win the races.

“The disadvantage of today, with all those numbers, wattages, and other aids, is that it’s getting harder and harder for a rider without a wattage meter, without a trainer, and without accurately weighing his food to become a pro. And I think that’s a real shame. Fun remains the most important thing.”