Nieuwenhuis finishes third in Tabor and the World Champs conquer Ghent

With the busiest period of the cyclocross season approaching fast, it was time to kick off the UCI World Cup season. This edition kicks off with three foreign races, starting in Tabor, Czech Republic. The weather maps indicated a probability of snowfall, but ultimately it did not stick and it mainly turned out to be a very slippery lap. After a stellar weekend with a win and a podium, Joris Nieuwenhuis (Ridley Racing Team) was one of the favourites going into this Men Elite race. Michael Vanthourenhout (Pauwels Sauzen - Altez Industriebouw) and him got off to a good start but after a mistake from Joris, it was Nys who made it very clear who was the strongest.

Competing for second place, Joris and Michael had to battle it out with Verstrynge, Sweeck and Michels. Unfortunately, Michael crashed hard on tarmac. Verstrynge fell in the penultimate lap, holding Nieuwenhuis up as well. Sweeck got a little gap after this incident and took the runner up spot in Tabor. Joris finished third and immediately takes some big points for the general classification. Felipe Orts (Ridley Racing Team) finished in 15th position. Michael Vanthourenhout had a good couple of closing laps and still managed to finish 17th.

In the Women Elite race, Leonie Bentveld keeps on showing her great form. She finished 4th after another strong race and she was also the first U23 women to cross the finish line, taking the first leader jersey. Denise Betsema (De Ceuster - Bouwpunt) finished 10th, Shanyl De Schoesitter (Pauwels Sauzen - Altez Industriebouw) 29th, Laura Verdonschot (De Ceuster - Bouwpunt) 33rd and Jinse Peeters (De Ceuster - Bouwpunt) 48th.

The Pauwels Sauzen under 23 riders all did a great job in their race as well with 5 riders within the first 13 finishers. Viktor Vandenberghe finished 5th, Kay De Bruyckere 6th, Sil De Brauwere 8th, Kenay De Moyere 12th and Yordi Corsus 13th. What a team performance!

Every year, the Six Days of Ghent is one of the biggest cycling events in Belgium. All the big names of track cycling were at the start at 't Kuipke and what a show it was. For a long time, hometown hero Jules Hesters was in the lead with his companion Youri Havik but in the closing Madison the World Champs Lindsay De Vylder and Fabio Van den Bossche took over after one decisive attack.

During the event, we saw loads of riders compete on a Ridley bike. Because of the link with Team Flanders - Baloise, Lindsay De Vylder, Tom Crabbe, Noah Vandenbranden, Milan Van Den Haute and Nolan Huysmans used a Ridley during the events. From new kids on the block to World Champions: it proves that we help to shape track talents during the whole process.