A Course for Classic Riders: European Championships in Drenthe
The upcoming European Championships parcours, with its finale on the Col du VAM, offers a home advantage for the Netherlands, according to Koos Moerenhout, the coach of the Dutch male professionals. However, Moerenhout emphasizes the importance of controlling the Drenthe roads, based on the experience from previous Dutch Nationals held on the same course. “You need riders who can anticipate; it is truly a course for classic riders.”
This unique artificial course presents a challenge like no other. Moerenhout explains, “The final lap on the Col du VAM is very explosive, and with the addition of the new Dak van Drenthe, it has become even more intense. You have to climb steeply three times per lap, but it’s not necessary to bring climbers who excel on longer ascents. However, it is also not a course for a mass sprint. With the ups and downs just before the finish and the remaining turns, it’s difficult to work with a sprint train.”
While having a sprinter in a leading position in the final stages can be beneficial, Moerenhout notes that it is possible for a rider to break away, even at the very end. “You need riders who dare to race and can anticipate unexpected situations; it is a course for classic riders in any scenario.”
The first 115 kilometers can be controlled, especially in good weather conditions, according to the former professional cyclist. “If it’s windy, you have to be alert, as the race could already be in full swing before the final laps. In that case, it becomes an extremely challenging race, as the finale is far from easy. You can’t hide there; you have to push yourself on those short climbs repeatedly. And it will take its toll on your legs. If you end up too far back, you’ll have to make a big effort to catch up after the descent, which also requires energy. And if the weather is unfavorable, the flatter part of the final lap will be a place where you can’t hide either.”
As the coach of the Dutch team, Moerenhout is pleased with the season, especially after the world title won by Mathieu van der Poel, who was crowned the Dutch champion on the Col du VAM in 2020. However, Moerenhout is also eagerly anticipating the championships in his home country. “We have riders who are very familiar with the course, so as a coach, it’s comforting to know which riders can handle this parcours well. It might be more challenging for my international colleagues to assess. There are so many factors that are important in this European Championships in Drenthe. But fundamentally, it comes down to being skillful, explosive, and having a good understanding of racing tactics.”
