"It gets worse here every year" - Lars van der Haar fumes at Jaarmarktcross Niel course

Lars van der Haar has been in a strong run of form this winter, already adding three victories to his palmares. This Monday afternoon at Superprestige Jaarmarktcross Niel, things didn't exactly go to plan for the former Dutch national champion though as finished someway off the pace in 5th. 

Given the Baloise - Trek Lions' star's comments pre-race though, it's perhaps not too much of a surprise that he didn't fare all that well. "I don't think it's the nicest lap, I only like the sandbox," Van der Haar said dismissively of the course design. "It gets worse here every year. You have to get off your bike all the time here but okay, I shouldn't complain, I should pedal."

Team boss Sven Nys didn't have too much sympathy for Van der Haar when asked for a comment although it did raise a smile for the cyclocross legend. "They're Dutch, straight forward. You have to like it," Nys laughed in reply.