“That was for Mathieu van der Poel" - Joris Nieuwenhuis crosses the line applauding, despite missing out on CX World Championship podium
Cyclocross
Joris Nieuwenhuis has not had the best winter of his career. After missing much of the season though, the Dutchman came good when it mattered at the 2025 Cyclocross World Championships, taking a very impressive 4th in Lievin.
Despite missing out on the podium in the end though, Nieuwenhuis crossed the line smiling and applauding. “That was for Mathieu van der Poel . He has equaled the record number of world titles, that is very impressive,” the Dutchman explained to NOS in a post-race interview, giving plenty of praise for his Rainbow Jersey winning compatriot.
With Van der Poel a clear winner and Wout van Aert also relatively comfortable in 2nd place, the battle for the last spot on the podium came down to a dual between Nieuwenhuis and Thibau Nys, a battle the latter ultimately got the better of. “I rode a good race, I'm happy with that. Nys just rode really well uphill," reflects Nieuwenhuis. "I came close, but that was too late in the end. If I wanted to drop him, I really have to ride a whole lap faster, because he is simply better on the explosive and technical parts.”
Despite missing the podium, the Dutchman ultimately sees the positives of a strong performance. “I have worked very hard for this in recent months. From the moment I had a hard time, I looked at how I could come back. I got a little better every day, and that ultimately led to this fourth place,” Nieuwenhuis concludes. “I wanted to be on the podium, but if there are three better I just have to accept that. After this season I have to be satisfied with that. I am now mainly looking forward to next year.”
Read also
| 01 | van der Poel Mathieu | - | 01:02:44 |
| 02 | van Aert Wout | - | + 45 |
| 03 | Nys Thibau | - | + 01:06 |
| 04 | Nieuwenhuis Joris | - | + 01:15 |
| 05 | Verstrynge Emiel | - | + 01:53 |
| 06 | Aerts Toon | - | + 01:56 |
| 07 | Vanthourenhout Michael | - | + 02:00 |
| 08 | Wyseure Joran | - | + 02:03 |
| 09 | van der Haar Lars | - | + 02:09 |
| 10 | Sweeck Laurens | - | + 02:28 |
| 11 | Kamp Ryan | - | + 02:44 |
| 12 | Orts Lloret Felipe | - | + 02:45 |
| 13 | Iserbyt Eli | - | + 03:32 |
| 14 | Vandeputte Niels | - | + 03:40 |
| 15 | Doubey Fabien | - | + 03:47 |
| 16 | Kuhn Kevin | - | + 04:10 |
| 17 | Venturini Clément | - | + 04:22 |
| 18 | Mein Thomas | - | + 04:49 |
| 19 | Funston Scott | - | + 05:00 |
| 20 | Hendrikx Mees | - | + 05:15 |
| 21 | Ronhaar Pim | - | + 05:31 |
| 22 | Bertolini Gioele | - | + 05:35 |
| 23 | Menut David | - | + 05:54 |
| 24 | Boros Michael | - | + 06:08 |
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