"I have lost some cross technique in recent years but I still had a lot of fun" - Thymen Arensman joins in for cyclocross amusement

Road cyclists in the field, we are certainly not just talking about Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert and Tom Pidcock. While Belgians such as Gianni Vermeersch, Quinten Hermans and Florian Vermeersch regularly commit to their old love during winter, some Dutch professionals also have a run through the mud in their off-season.

Thymen Arensman parcipated for the first time on Sunday in Reusel and finished second between the Belgian Thomas Verheyen and compatriot Luke Verburg.

"I have lost some cross technique in recent years, thanks for reminding me," Arensman laughs on social media. "I still had a lot of fun. It was a nice opportunity, so I would like to thank INEOS Grenadiers, Pinarello and my trainer Dajo Sanders for the opportunity," he says.

Arensman had a solid record as cross rider for several years in youth categories and even competed in several World Cup U23 competitions in his first year in the U23 category, but never really switched to the elite in the discipline.