"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.”

“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.”