"Joris is simply the best" - Pim Ronhaar concedes defeat to Nieuwenhuis at Dutch National Championships

Pim Ronhaar was in the fight for a long while at the Dutch National Championships on Sunday afternoon but ultimately, he had to concede defeat to his Baloise - Trek Lions teammate, Joris Nieuwenhuis.

“On the first lap I had to close a damn gap because someone crashed in one of the first corners. That took quite a lot of energy, but when I was there, I felt very strong," began Ronhaar's recap post-race. "I felt like I was stronger. But just as I was about to place my gear, Joris placed his. And it was just better. So yeah, I just got knocked on value. Finally, he rides away for a minute. Then Joris is simply the best.”

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“He simply rode faster, in terms of technique and on the straights. Second place was the highest possible today," Ronhaar continues, full of praise for Nieuwenhuis. "I said beforehand: if I can get the most out of it, I will be satisfied, whether that results in a first, second or third place.”

The season goes on however, and now Ronhaar must refocus. “I'm not really going to taper off during the week. After Benidorm I will drive to Hoogerheide, after which I will do little for a week. Then it's a blast in Tabor.”

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