Lars van der Haar has taken the victory in the European Cyclo-Cross Championships in Huijbergen today and will be the first professional rider to wear the blue jersey. In an exciting finale, Lars was too strong for rival Wout van Aert.
After the race Lars said: “It was a difficult, hard race. Wout (van Aert) was stronger on one side of the track and I on the other. He got away but he didn’t crack me. He made a small mistake and I gave my all to close the gap again, which worked out.
“In the final lap I chose to attack because I thought it wasn’t a good plan to let him be in first position on the walking climb. I got a small gap and could hold it to the walking climb and even until the finish to win the race. It is a very nice win and I am extremely happy with it.”
