Denise Betsema "not shocked" by big time gap to teammate van Empel

After picking up an opening race victory to kick off last year's Exact Cross season, Denise Betsema had to settle for just 3rd position this time around. Finishing 1:24 behind the winner and her teammate Fem van Empel, Betsema seemed unflustered post-race despite the big gap, saying "I'm really looking forward to the rest of the season, hopefully the difference will be smaller,"

Betsema revealed she was "not shocked by this difference" and admitted that “Everyone has to get back into the rhythm a bit, at least that applies to me." With the riders off to Beringen for the next race, Betsema will be hoping that rhythm has returned and she can close the gap to her teammate.

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Fem Van Empel makes it two-for-two for Pauwels Sauzen - Bingoal at Exact Cross Kruibeke

In what was an extremely successful weekend for the Pauwels Sauzen - Bingoal team, van Empel's 1st and Betsema's 3rd placed finishes in the women's race was backed up by Michael Vanthourenhout and Eli Iserbyt taking the top 2 steps on the podium of the men's race.

Gracious in defeat, Betsema was full of praise for her dominant teammate, "I think Fem is really on top form and has made a lot of progress. I couldn't keep up with it". Now as previously mentioned, attention turns to Beringen as Betsema and the rest of the pack look to close the gap.

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Betsema schrikt niet van achterstand op Van Empel: “Seizoen duurt nog lang” wielerflits.nl/nieuws/betsema… #veldrijden #cross

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