“I don't think I rode a good cross” – Lars van der Harr disappointed despite Superprestige podium

Lars van der Haar took third place in the final round of the Druivencross Overijse, a solid result, but one that left the Dutch rider feeling unsatisfied. Despite securing a spot on the podium, van der Haar expressed disappointment with his performance after the race.

“I think I was much better than I showed today,” Van der Haar told Wielerflits. “I was a bit too scared to do anything. My legs didn’t feel how I wanted them to feel. But when it was really hard, I felt I could still go hard on the climbs. I could come back after mistakes. If I had raced more, maybe more would have been possible. But when you see what Thibau did today, it doesn’t matter to the team.”

Looking ahead, van der Haar is hoping for a stronger showing at the upcoming Koppenbergcross. "Maybe a bad dress rehearsal is good for the Koppenberg," he suggested. "I think I just need to have a bit more confidence in myself. Sometimes the legs are better than they feel."

Reflecting further on his race, van der Haar noted, “I made some mistakes here and there, like I said, but on those climbs I was still able to ride up quite a bit. That made me realise that it might still be possible against Niels if I could ride away before the sprint. It's a shame that I just couldn't ride up to Eli.”

Despite his third-place finish, van der Haar's comments reveal a rider still searching for that perfect race execution, hinting at the potential he believes he has yet to fully display this season.