Lars van der Haar - "I think I will really enjoy this title later when I get home"

Lars van der Haar has been crowned the champion of the Dutch national cyclocross competition for the fourth time in the elite category.

"I think I will really enjoy this title later when I get home," Van der Haar told WielerFlits. He continues, “I have enormous respect for Joris, who makes the course complete today. I almost feel burdened that I beat him in the last lap."

Joris Nieuwenhuis put up a strong fight until the end of the race, but Lars van der Haar was able to hold on and win. "But it's about a Dutch title, and I can't pass it up. I saw he was messing around with his shoe but didn't know his cleat was broken. I had taken this into account, but with us, the agreements are clear. Everyone rides for themselves. In the end, it's about a title here," said van der Haar.

It was not an easy week for him. "I was up with nerves all week. I was sick after I came home from Zonhoven and didn't see it rosy for this weekend. I didn't hesitate to start, but you start doubting yourself and your form. I need to recover from this and hopefully pull through to the World Championship," concluded the Dutchman.