"Fem van Empel and Puck Pieterse are just a little bit fiercer" - Inge van der Heijden realises the difference in levels within women's cyclocross

With a trio of Superprestige podiums to her name already this winter, 24-year-old Dutchwoman Inge van der Heijden is quietly proving herself as a real challenger within the women's cyclocross sphere.

"For me, of course, it also partly applies that I am working towards the World Championship. That is really something that I have made a goal of, although that will probably be the case for many ladies," the Crelan - Corendon rider tells In de Leiderstrui. "On the other hand, if I can continue at this level in the next races, I will be extremely satisfied."

"'I think I'm in good condition. For me, there is always room for improvement in the technical field. Moreover, it is sometimes a bit of a challenge for me in mud crosses. But the more I do it, the better it gets," she continues. "Perhaps having more confidence in myself is the most important thing. Just think more that I can do it, instead of thinking too much negatively."

The biggest obstacle to van der Heijden taking the next leap and becoming a regular race winner is the continued brilliance of the likes of Fem van Empel and Puck Pieterse. As van der Heijden says herself, the talented duo are currently a cut above much of the rest of the field.

"In some competitions, such as the one in Heusden-Zolder (where van der Heijden podiumed, ed.), the difference is not that big at all," she insists however. "I rode the entire race there by myself, because I had missed my start. But when it comes to the final, ladies like Fem and Puck are just a little bit fiercer and have just a little more surplus than me."