"I was a fool" - Pim Ronhaar takes the blame for cyclocross World Cup Dublin defeat

Pim Ronhaar was left disappointed yesterday at the cyclocross World Cup Dublin when he was beaten on the final lap in a race ultimately won by Michael Vanthourenhout. There was extra disappointment for the 23 year old, considering this was one of the races he won last year.

The Dutchman caught up with In De Leiderstrui after the race saying, “"I should have won this race. It’s my fault. I was a fool.”

Clearly, the Baloise - Trek Lions rider is very upset with his performance, and he went on to say, "I was too slow in the last two laps, and the moment I'm in position four or five for a moment, Eli.) spots it. And he accelerates for two laps. I ride as fast as Eli but don't get any closer. If I'm in position there, in those last two laps, then I win that race.”

Ronhaar ended up finishing down in sixth, 12 seconds off the race winning time. "I could release my power, but I rode as hard as the leaders. I then messed up that last mud section. If I'm in second or third position there and can emerge from it with speed, then you win. Like Michael (Vanthourenhout ) did. Everyone knew that, but I was just too slow today.

"You still hope for a moment, but it's a lap where you must get in front as late as possible. I felt powerful the whole race and had the impression I had everything under control. I knew what I had to do; Sven also shouted that I had to sit in second position in the last lap. But yes, it was too late. Stupid.

There is some reason to be happy for Ronhaar, as he said, “The feeling is good, and I'm competing until the end. Week by week, it's improving, and if there will be a real mud cross soon, I'll be competing for the win.”