World Champion Vos returns to Cyclocross - "I am satisfied with this kick-off"

Marianne Vos has won the World Championships in Fayetteville last winter, but only last night at the Nacht van Woerden did she debut her new rainbow stripes with Jumbo-Visma. She rode into second place, only narrowly behind Blanka Kata Vas.

“As always, in Woerden it is super fast, you have to pay attention, turn and turn… Puck Pieterse and Blanka Kata Vas are great at it, they constantly put pressure," Vos commented in a post-race interview. "It was full house for me. In the last lap Vas made a small hole, I had to click out and she was gone. Then everything was done to bring in that second place

Vos rode most of the race with Puck Pieterse and Blanka Kata Vas, but the latter had the best of the veteran in the final lap, taking advantage of the technical circuit and likely better form to take the win. Vos was not too dissatisfied with her result however.

“I am very happy that I was among them. You always have to wait and see where you stand, but I am satisfied with this kick-off”, she continued. “It's always just as exciting. I took a break after the road season and picked up training in recent weeks to continue in the races. I hope to continue this trend.”

Her use of a front light during the race was commented on, however to no real difference in the event. She was asked about her decision, concluding: “It wasn't even my first time, because I've also driven with a light on the road. But we don't drive in the dark that often, of course. Fortunately, it is very well lit here. It may not have been necessary, but it came in handy on a few points.”