Rabobank Bikecenter van Tuyl Paasbike

Orange Monkey-Cannondale riders are all around the world right now and just two days after Rourkes exploits in South Africa, Ben and Alex were racing in the Netherlands - this time it was the UCI Class 2 Rabobank Paasbike event in Nieuwkuijk. A solid race for both riders with some more International racing in the legs saw Alex take 11th in a strong Junior field with another buildingblock completed for Ben with a solid 53rd position. Alex reported back on his race...

On 25th April Ben and I took part in the Dutch 2011 Paasbike, which is part of the 'Nederlands Top MTB Series', a UCI class 2 event. The course is the same one that has been used for 18 years and is totally flat with twisty singletrack and short road sections. With the recent boiling weather the course had turned into a dustbowl and sand lined the fireroad.

A pre-ride of the course on the sunday proved that the name of the game would be high shock pressures and low tyre pressures to ensure maximum grip round the dusty singletrack. Race day came round and I was super excited to say the least. After a solid start I was in the top 15 when I was joined by a Norwegian rider and riding together we managed to pick off 4 places over the next 3 laps, until it came to the sprint finish where I went full gas in the last 50 meters to outsprint him, finishing 11th. I was super stoked given the level of competition and how strong I felt... especially winning my spring finish!

In two weeks the team heads over to the Netherlands again.. but this time I want that top 10 finish!