Crossing – Jens Dekker (24) from Fleutenberg could return to the World Cup next Sunday in Maasmechelen, Belgium. He is one of eleven Dutch men who will start in the elite competition.
At the end of 2020, he retired from his bike after suffering from various health problems. Unexpected breathing problems particularly hampered him during competitions. After more than three years, he has now returned to the artistic scene.
“It’s the first big cross I’ll ever ride again. It’s a great opportunity to see where I stand,” Decker responds to his choice. “I’m not surprised by my attitude because I was already able to show something in pre-season.”
Because nearly two weeks ago Decker won an international cyclocross race at Lago de As Pontes in Spain. This was his first win since his return. He rode five races in nine days in Spain and stood on the podium three times.
He knows a little about the World Cup tournament in Maasmechelen. “I was there last year to guide the US Junior Select. So I’ve actually biked on it a little bit myself. It’s a ‘link’ course because you can easily get a puncture. If rain showers go over it, all kinds ‘from sharp stones to the surface,'” he recalls. Decker.
“The advantage is that it is a little wider than in Spain. It is more electric than it is very technical. This is better for me because I have not yet been able to practice a lot of technique at competition speed.”
Since Decker has been sidelined for three years, he will have to start at the back of the field. That’s why it’s important for him to collect as many UCI points as quickly as possible. Because the starting order is determined on this basis.
The 24-year-old rider from Fluitenberg has been back in training since December last year and has been riding for the Orange Babies cycling team since August. In 2016, Drent became world junior champion in Heusden-Zolder.
Meppin’s Iris Ovren (20) will start as a promise in the elite women’s competition on Sunday. Zuidlaren’s David Haverdings and Eelde’s Tibor del Grosso, both also competing in the promising category, will not be at the start in Maasmechelen on Sunday.
