Titles Galore During a Successful Weekend on All Fronts
This past Sunday was another highlight for the Ridley family. Delano Heeren crowned himself world junior cyclocross champion after an incredibly thrilling race. His compatriot Leonie Bentveld triumphed in the U23 women’s category. Later in the day, another title was added on the track, where Hélène Hesters claimed the European scratch race title. In this way, it was an unforgettable weekend on every front.
The Cyclocross World Championships in Hulst, Netherlands, already started well for the Ridley riders on Friday. Delano Heeren (Acrog-Tormans) and Leonie Bentveld (Pauwels Sauzen - Altez Industriebouw) were part of the six-person team that rode to the world title in the mixed relay. For the Belgian team, Kay De Bruyckere (Pauwels Sauzen - Altez Industriebouw) was part of the six-person squad that secured the bronze medal.
The main highlights, of course, were scheduled for the weekend. Amandine Fouquenet, again from Jurgen Mettepenningen’s stable, was the first real medal contender to take action. With a double podium last weekend in the World Cup, she was very confident. In the end, she missed the podium by just a few seconds, finishing fifth.
The Cyclocross World Championships in Hulst, Netherlands, already started well for the Ridley riders on Friday. Delano Heeren (Acrog-Tormans) and Leonie Bentveld (Pauwels Sauzen - Altez Industriebouw) were part of the six-person team that rode to the world title in the mixed relay. For the Belgian team, Kay De Bruyckere (Pauwels Sauzen - Altez Industriebouw) was part of the six-person squad that secured the bronze medal.
The main highlights, of course, were scheduled for the weekend. Amandine Fouquenet, again from Jurgen Mettepenningen’s stable, was the first real medal contender to take action. With a double podium last weekend in the World Cup, she was very confident. In the end, she missed the podium by just a few seconds, finishing fifth.
X-Night RS
A crown jewel for championsThe X-Night RS is the fifth generation of our cyclocross bike on which dozens of titles have already been won. We developed this X-Night RS tailored to the cyclocross rider, with a special cyclocross geometry and numerous aerodynamic improvements. The Ridley Racing Team will use this crown jewel from autumn 2024.
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Sunday saw even more success for the Ridley riders. It all began with a brilliant performance by Delano Heeren in the junior category. In a nail-biting finale, he capitalized on a double slip by the Italian Filippo Grigolini. The first-year junior took over and never gave up his lead in the final meters. In this way, he will be seen wearing the rainbow jersey throughout next cyclocross season.
Leonie Bentveld also had an unforgettable afternoon. In front of her home crowd, she had to contend with the tough Slovak Viktoria Chladonova. It was a battle to the very end, and in the end, the Dutch rider was the strongest. After a European title, she now also adds a world title in this category to her palmarès.
Even in the elite men’s race, Ridley was well represented. In the end, Joris Nieuwenhuis (fourth), Gerben Kuypers (sixth), and Felipe Orts Lloret (seventh) placed three X-Night RS bikes among the top seven. Michael Vanthourenhout (tenth) has also been riding our top bike for years, which once again proved its reputation as "a bike for champions" at this World Championship.
Leonie Bentveld also had an unforgettable afternoon. In front of her home crowd, she had to contend with the tough Slovak Viktoria Chladonova. It was a battle to the very end, and in the end, the Dutch rider was the strongest. After a European title, she now also adds a world title in this category to her palmarès.
Even in the elite men’s race, Ridley was well represented. In the end, Joris Nieuwenhuis (fourth), Gerben Kuypers (sixth), and Felipe Orts Lloret (seventh) placed three X-Night RS bikes among the top seven. Michael Vanthourenhout (tenth) has also been riding our top bike for years, which once again proved its reputation as "a bike for champions" at this World Championship.
Heroine Hélène
Meanwhile, the European Track Cycling Championships had also started. On the very first day, Hélène Hesters made her mark. In Turkey, she delivered an impressive solo during the scratch race. The Belgian held firm and will be allowed to wear the European champion jersey in this discipline for a year. Alongside the X-Night RS, there was also success for the Omnium Fast. With the classic spring season ahead, this is a great confidence boost. The Uno-X riders also showed readiness for an outstanding 2026, finishing fifth and seventh in the Santos Tour Down Under.
Photos: PhotoNews
Photos: PhotoNews
Omnium Fast
The custom track bike for group eventsFollowing the Arena Fast, we are now introducing the Omnium Fast. Our product developers have optimized the bike for group events on the velodrome. The Omnium Fast builds on the success of the Arena Fast, featuring geometry adapted to omnium events on the track. This Omnium Fast is also the new weapon of omnium world champion Lindsay De Vylder.
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