The beach racing season started today on the beach of Noordwijk under autumnal conditions. Although it was dry, a strong southerly wind blew at the riders’ backs from the start, causing the peloton to fly in a long ribbon at high speed to the turning point. The duo of Ramses Bekkenk and Thijs Zonneveld arrived with a lead, but with the long way back against the wind, waiting for reinforcement was the wisest option. This created a leading group of seven men, including European Champion Coen Vermeltvoort. Van Sintmaartensdijk and Bekkenk managed to escape at the last turning point and then rode together the last three kilometers with tailwind to the finish. When leaving the hard part of the beach, Van Sintmaartensdijk passed Bekkenk in the loose sand and took the victory. Raphael Mouton managed to take the last podium place.
Mariëlle Trouwborst was by far the strongest among the ladies and gave her KMC team a great victory on her debut for the team. In addition to beach races, she will also compete in gravel competitions for her new team. ‘I quickly was the only lady in the lead and was able to keep up with the pace between the men. Nice to win here straight away for my new team.’, said Trouwborst. Behind Trouwborst, Tirza Wisse and Michelle de Graaf took the remaining podium places. Gerben Mos and Martin Schuttert finished at 16th and 39th place.
