Puck Pieterse secures silver medal in Dutch National Cyclocross Championship

Puck Pieterse finished second the Dutch National Cyclocross Championship in the muddy course of Hoogeveen. From the start, the FENIX-Deceuninck rider and defending champion battled Lucinda Brand (Baloise Trek Lions), who ultimately won the national title by extending its lead to 45 seconds after Pieterse slipped in the fourth and last lap.

“It wasn’t my best race,” said the 21-year-old cyclist to specialized media WielerFlits. “I had a good start and rode where I wanted to, but Lucinda was a bit faster today. You could see that she had a bit more power, especially on the straights. You always have to have confidence, but I don’t think I came into the race in my best shape.”

Anemarie Worts (Cyclocross Reds) swooped in to take the bronze medal, surprising Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (Alpecin-Deceuninck), who crossed the finish line in fourth position. FENIX-Deceuninck rider Yara Kastelijn finished 8^th.