Joris Nieuwenhuis happy with third place behind Mathieu van der Poel destruction: “I knew that I had to ride at my own pace”

Mathieu van der Poel delivered a commanding performance at the World Cup Maasmechelen, finishing over a minute ahead of his closest rival, Wout van Aert. The third and final spot on the podium was secured by Joris Nieuwenhuis, who battled his way to an impressive result.

The 28-year-old Dutchman, who won a World Cup race last year, reflected on his race in an interview with Wielerflits. "I had to start from the third row. My first goal was to start really well. Because on this round it gets pretty tough when you're further along. I tried to follow Mathieu and Wout a bit, but I also knew that I had to ride at my own pace. It was quite a tough battle with Joran in the end, but luckily I was able to get a podium place."

Nieuwenhuis’s strong finish capped off an exciting day of racing, where van der Poel’s dominance blew even Van Aert away. Nieuwenhuis will be happy to pick up a podium, as the cyclocross begins to draw to a close.