“I’m starting to feel the itch now” - Puck Pieterse targeting immediate victory on return to cyclocross in Namur

After much speculation, Puck Pieterse makes her highly anticipated return to cyclocross on Sunday afternoon at the World Cup Namur. After emerging victorious at the race last year, the Dutch prodigy is targeting an immediate return to her race-winning form this winter.

"I’m starting to feel the itch now and I’m looking forward to making my reappearance in the field in Namur,” Pieterse says ahead of her return, in conversation with Het Nieuwsblad. “I’m motivated for every race, but Namur always gives me that little bit more. It’s one of the most beautiful courses, and I love racing there. That always brings extra motivation. And I’m starting with a clear head. Over the past weeks, I’ve been following a lot of races on TV, and now I’m eager to jump back in myself.”

Although world champion Fem van Empel has been the most successful of the pack so far this winter, the Visma rider hasn't been as totally dominant as in previous years, with the likes of Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado and Lucinda Brand offering serious opposition. In Pieterse's opinion, the fact everything is so closely matched could help her. “I’ve seen on TV that the level among the top riders is very close. Last year, the gaps were bigger," she explains. "I actually want to aim for victory right away and hope to be on the top step as often as possible. But at the same time, I’ll have to wait and see how my form holds up and how my preparation pays off. The World Championships in early February in Liévin are my main goal for the year.”

Off the back of a breakthrough year on the road in 2024 too, Pieterse's stock has probably never been higher in her young career. “I surprised myself quite a bit on the road,” she admits. “The highlight was my stage win in the Tour. I’m happy with the progress I’ve made, both during the classics and the Tour. This year, I’ve proven that competing in a spring road campaign can be combined with mountain biking. That’s exactly how we’ll approach it in 2025 as well.”

“If I ever decide to focus on stage racing, that could present a challenge. Stage racing requires a different approach, with more training camps and a greater emphasis on long climbs," she concludes. "That would impact the explosiveness needed for mountain biking — and cyclocross.”