“I have a chance to win the title" - Pim Ronhaar eyes Dutch Cyclocross National Championship glory

With three wins during the 2023/24 cyclocross season so far, including two at UCI World Cup level, Pim Ronhaar has looked like one of the most improved riders this winter. As such he heads to the Dutch National Championships full of confidence.

“I have a chance to win the title, but there are two others who have a chance. They come from the same team," the 22-year-old previews, referring to the pairing of Joris Nieuwenhuis and Lars van der Haar. "It will be a difficult National Championship. I haven't seen the course yet, but I'm doing well.”

Although the dominant force in cyclocross, Mathieu van der Poel, is also Dutch, the all-conquering rainbow jersey is set to focus on the 2024 World Championships, leaving the National Championships open for the likes of Ronhaar and his Baloise - Trek Lions teammates.

"It will probably just be the three of us competing against each other. Maybe someone else will join in," Ronhaar analyses. “We don't joke about it yet. Joris and I are down-to-earth farmers and Lars is down-to-earth in that regard too. If I can get a jersey, that's nice, but it won't make or break my season.”