"I had a bit too much bad luck this season" - Manon Bakker wishes to turn the page after a successful weekend

Manon Bakker has already completed fourteen crosses this season. Few riders do better in that regard, but last cross weekend the 24-year-old Dutch rider really stepped out of her shadow, finishing fifth in Dendermonde World Cup to back up it with fourth place in Superprestige race in Niel.

"I had a bit too much bad luck this season," Bakker tells WielerFlits. "It was the same again on Saturday in the Jaarmarktcross. I had to deal with a flat tire, which means I might lose third or second place. I ride around with a good feeling, but I still make too many mistakes."

"There have been some ups and downs in recent weeks. I did have some nice results at the beginning of the season. Things went well in America. When I returned to Dutch soil, it was also okay with a second place in Woerden and a victory in Heerde. But in the last two weeks things started to slow down a bit. My chain came off, I had flat tires: too much bad luck."

Nevertheless, the Crelan-Corendon rider continues to strive for podium places. "It could have been done in Niel, but the podium certainly remains my ambition. Despite all the competition, I certainly don't feel tired yet. If you look at my results in recent years, you will see that I usually only have my best period in January and February. Hopefully it will come out a little earlier this season."