"All focus is on the National Championships and the World Championships" - Puck Pieterse determined to secure jersey this winter

One of the leading lights in women's cyclocross, Puck Pieterse is determined to end the season with a jersey and a title. Given her strong form already this winter, it's not exactly out of the question either.

In seven races this winter, Pieterse only has one victory coming at Duinencross Koksijde. She has been consistently there or thereabouts though, and after coming 2nd behind Lucinda Brand in her latest outing at World Cup Dendermonde, Pieterse could be hitting top form at just the right time. "A championship is a championship. A European Championship is too early in the season for me, so all focus is on the National Championship and the World Championship," she explains in quotes collected by IDL.

As Pieterse is willing to note herself though, she isn't yet the finished article. "I still lack that power on the flat and uphill. What you saw on the climb in Baal, for example, Lucinda and Fem were just a little bit stronger," she explained after Dendermonde. "If I can pedal a little bit more power on the flat, if that's in it, it should be fine."

Although the duo of the aforementioned Brand and Fem van Empel won't be present at the Dutch National Championships, the presence of Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado and others are arguably just as tough. "I think a battle with everyone is more interesting of course. So yes, it is a shame that they are not there," Pieterse says, giving a reveal to her upcoming preparation. "I think it will be more like extra training. And really doing some specific blocks. The cross rhythm is there now. Now just that last bit of power."