"I am strong but not fast at the moment" - Jens Dekker finishes 2nd in Heerderstrand despite terrible start

Jens Dekker crossed the line second in the Cyclocross Heerderstrand. Initially, a podium place seemed far away for the Dutchman, who had a bad start, but the 25-year-old eventually found his rhythm and got back into the fight for podium.

"In the first lap I noticed that I was not able to do my intensive training in June," he told CyclingOnline afterwards about possible reasoning behind his weaker start to the race.

"I couldn't make any progress on that long stretch of the asphalt, I was passed on all sides," said Dekker. "I am strong but not fast at the moment. The last two months have been an investment, I now hope to be able to ride some bigger crosses. The fast cross-country races are not really my thing, I think I come into my own on some of the tougher courses."