"My gap to the absolute top riders has also become much smaller this year" - Leonie Bentveld continues her upward trajectory

Leonie Bentveld is known as one of the greatest Dutch cyclo-cross talents. The young lady from Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal has already shown her potential among the juniors, after which she is now also doing well among the U23 and elite. In de Leiderstrui talked with the youngster after Hulst World Cup where she came sixth.

"I sprinted together with Sara Casasola for fifth place. Unfortunately I lost that, although I am really happy with my end result. I finish as the first U23 rider, so I can be very satisfied with that," she says first about the race in Hulst.

Looking at the entire season, Bentveld, who finished third in the Flamanville World Cup round of earlier this winter, is very satisfied with what she has achieved. "Sure. Last summer I took a very big step. I'm glad it's actually showing. When I compare my results with those of last season, I see a lot of difference. My gap to the absolute top riders has also become much smaller this year, so I can speak of a great season."

How big does she actually think the gap is at the moment? "Still quite big now. But when I see how much progress I have made over the past year, it gives me confidence. If I can develop further, I hope to really make that connection within a few years."