Completely Back After Struggles: Joris Nieuwenhuis on World Cup Podium

A touching moment last Saturday after the World Cup Cyclocross in Maasmechelen: father Laurens Nieuwenhuis beaming with a broad smile and giving his son Joris a pat on the shoulder. The latter had just crossed the finish line in third place and joined Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert on the podium. This marks the full comeback of the Dutch team leader of Ridley Racing Team after a challenging period.

For a long time, it seemed like this wouldn't be Joris's winter. He was sidelined by shingles and had to watch as his Ridley Racing Team teammates made a name for themselves. His World Cup debut in Antwerp was postponed, and he only returned to competition at the Dutch Championships, where he unexpectedly claimed a bronze medal in Oisterwijk.

Upward Trend

Despite a disastrous start in Benidorm, Joris managed to salvage an eighth-place finish in his first World Cup race of the season. In Maasmechelen, however, he got off to a strong start and even briefly took the lead. When Van der Poel unleashed his power, Joris settled into his own pace. Wout van Aert proved to be a notch too strong for him as well, but behind them, he emerged as the best of the rest. Third place was the maximum he could achieve.

A day later in Hoogerheide, Joris slipped several times and eventually crossed the finish line in eighth place. Nevertheless, this weekend gave him a confidence boost heading into the World Championships in Liévin, his major goal of the season.

X-Night RS

A crown jewel for champions

The 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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