"A rotten season... I'm glad it's over" - Denise Betsema was finally able to undergo knee surgery after a season of struggle

Today, a day after the last cross of the season, Denise Betsema underwent surgery on her knee. The 31-year-old Dutch woman had been suffering all season. Betsema has not had her best season after she was hit during training in the summer.

"A rotten season," says Betsema plainly. "I'm glad it's over. On Friday, together with the doctors, I decided to undergo surgery. After the collision it was determined that there were no fractures. However, I have had a lot of problems with my knee throughout the season."

Betsema is said to suffer from friction syndrome. "I had a lot of trouble in the front of my knee. There is also an inflammation in my knee. It is a major operation, but it is reassuring that it can be remedied with surgery."

"I remain positive. I will definitely come back strong," says Betsema, who achieved her best result in Oudenaarde. She came second on the very tough Koppenberg.