Pim Ronhaar reacts to emotional podium at Exact Cross Heerderstrand

Dutch cyclist Pim Ronhaar showed impressive resilience at the Exact Cross of Heerderstrand, finishing second despite facing a challenging week. The 23-year-old, who claimed two cyclocross World Cup wins last season, paid a poignant tribute to his late uncle, who passed away just days before the race. Upon crossing the finish line, Ronhaar pointed to the sky in an emotional gesture dedicated to his relative.

In a post-race interview, Ronhaar shared the personal significance of his result. “I get a little emotional. I lost a family member, an uncle, last week; he was a big fan. I rode for him today.” This emotional context added weight to his strong performance on the day.

The race saw Ronhaar battling fiercely in the early stages, as he engaged in a thrilling three-way contest with Eli Iserbyt, who eventually claimed victory, and Laurens Sweeck. Reflecting on the tight competition, Ronhaar acknowledged the strength of his rivals: “Eli is so strong. He kept putting pressure, so I knew he was having a good day. Laurens and I were constantly yo-yoing.”

Ronhaar's season has been anything but smooth, with his preparation interrupted by his family’s loss, a recent illness, and a crash. His second-place finish at Heerderstrand surprised not only his fans but the rider himself. “It surprised me too. I didn't expect to be able to ride such a fast last lap,” he admitted after the race.

Despite these setbacks, Ronhaar’s performance demonstrated both his talent and determination, and his tribute to his late uncle was a reminder of the emotional battles athletes often face away from the competition.