Puck Pieterse had a tremendous chance to make meaningful advances towards Fem van Empel in the battle for the World Cup today in the 11th round to Gavere, however the course conditions made things difficult for the Dutch rider who struggled deeply.
“My wheel was completely stuck on the long climb. It was a bit demotivating to see Shirin [van Anrooij] still spinning her wheel, while mine was completely stuck," the 20-year old said following the race. Pieterse began the race strongly and in the lead for a while, but found mechanical issues as clogged mud saw her lose significant time in an early lap.
"We both did not enter the exchange. I followed Shirin, I thought it would be okay. But that was not the case. I should have switched bikes sooner. It was a mistake on my part. After that I changed bikes every half lap and it was better," Pieterse explained.
“My wheel didn't turn. I lost a lot of time there. Then I had to focus again and try to pass riders. This was the first time I experienced something like this. You learn something new every race," she continued. Despite the issues she managed to claw her way back into third place at the end as Blanka Kata Vas blew up towards the end, however it wasn't a positive outcome.
With Fem van Empel still recovering from her injury and missing today's race, Pieterse - who is also the under-23 World Cup leader - could close significantly the 65-point gap and realistically put herself within range of possibly fighting for the win, with three races remaining in Zonhoven, Benidorm and Besançon.
She didn't manage to capitalize on it perfectly, however the 25 points won puts her 40 points behind the Pauwels Sauzen - Bingoal rider. 40 points is the exact amount which a win delivers, and the fight could remain open in the coming weeks.
Nice day for Alpecin-Deceuninck in @UCIcyclocrossWC Gavere today. Great win for @mathieuvdpoel in the men’s race and a podium spot for Puck Pieterse in the women’s race. Puck remains leader in the U23 World Cup 👏👏 @AlpecinCycling @Deceuninck @canyon_bikes
