The Season 22 is over! Have you already looked at it? Well before the season review, the magazine decided to do some interviews to the Top riders from this season. Not all have been interviewed, but we’re sure one day they will! Enjoy the riders view of their season and look for their expectations for the next!
Roel Beetens, Team Trier - Nr.19 in the World Rank and Nr.2 in Belgian Rank
A hiller in the Top20 that's interesting! Do you think your time has come?
I know right, what a season :)
To be honest I haven't really had the time to think about my ranking yet, but yeah it is amazing. I love it.
But I can't take all the credit, it has been amazing being on Team Trier. My manager Trier believed in me from day one the team, he has been an great support. I spend my first to season on the team just learning the ropes, after all this is my first real job :)
I started out just helping out my captains and learning how to sit in the peloton, but already in my first season Trier put me to the test on the hills. The beautiful Bagno di Bomagna GP was an real eye-opener for me, 2. place in my first race as captain... unreal... :) But coming back and taking the win felt even better ;)
I feel stronger and more confident then I have ever been, my teammates are being so supportive and belies in me every time.
So looking back on the season, yeah I'm hungry for more... ;)
With just 24 yo, do you think you'll become the next Truman Vancil?
I've actually had the pleasure of racing with Truman, what a great guy. He was one of my heroes when I still was a junior rider, I think it is amazing that he's still turning the pedals, what an inspiration.
Right now I'm still concentrating on becoming as good as I possible can, who know what the future bring. Like you said, I'm still young and time is on my side :)
What was the high point of your season?
So many... Helping the team reaching 1. div was a real good felling, and taking a few scalps there wasn’t bad either :)
But riding on the Belgian national team had been amazing, wining for your nation against the best riders in the world...
Even thou I only had it for a shot while, riding in the national jersey feel great, not only did it feel good – but it looked great on me as well ;)
Which goals do you have for the next?
I want that national jersey back, for sure :)
The upcoming season is going to be an interesting one, new races and new challengers. I'm very much looking forward to see how it plays out.
Do you think you finally | | deserve the Belgium National jersey or are you too young?
Not at all. The national jersey is there for the taking, and like I said I want it! I've got a intern competition with Fred (red. Dobblelaere) who get the jersey first. He's a good sport :)
Nico Woltelboer, Team Tirilla - Nr.1 in the World Rank and Nr.1 in Dutch Rank
Congratulations for winning the OCM Rankings! How does it feel like?
Thanks a lot. For once in my career, I feel relief. For a long time I have known what I was able to do, but I haven't fulfilled my true potential. This is my feeling now, that I've succeeded.
As usual many expected a sprinter to win it, but did you ever imagine one like you to do it?
I have always dreamt of it, but never imagined it. What I really improved for this season was actually my sprinting results so there might be a connection - and I have had really great support from the riders on my team.
How will it be next season? Do you think you will be on Top again? Will you even get space inside the team for your own goals?
As far as I can see on the plans for next season, I won't be as free as this season, but it will never be forgotten that I was the most successful rider and this gives me some privileges. I don't think I'm going to top the rankings, though.
Who was your biggest threat? And who will be it next season?
Surprisingly, it was Rolf Enoch from scuppernong. Right down to the last race in Elias Marquez Invitational, we fought for the title. Next season, it will ironically be my fellow captains on Team Tirilla since we are many riders who can lead the team in the races.
Too soon to call you a legend? What will be your major goals now?
Well, I'm not a legend but I will always be remembered with this title. Next season, I will work hard to give even more back to my team and do as well as I can; and personally, I value victories in races very precious so that's my goal.
Helmer Sahlin, Team Celeste - Nr.22 in the World Rank and Nr.1 in Swedish Rank
Your 22nd place in the ranks is surprising! That means that you're the 2nd best TTer in OCM! How does it feel like?
It is amazing! And quite flattering, I still think there are a number of TT riders that are stronger.
You raced in the 3rd, 2nd and 1st division this season. Where do you feel you belong to?
I prefer the races in 1st and 2nd division, that's for sure.
What was
| | the high point of the season?
The fantastic start, I got into a great shape early and I think I got 4 wins in 5 races.
What goals do you have for the next one? - Team Celeste is your home now, will it be next season, too?
I'd like to win more races in the high divisions and end next season top 20 in the rankings. Team Celeste is a small but great team. As long as the team supports me and my goals I'll probably stay here.
Many say you're not good enough for the top division and that you'll fail right away. Do you have something to say to them?
If I'm not good enough for top division after reaching the podium a few times and finishing top 10 almost every race in the top division, there aren't many riders that are...
Tyr Hermann, IGF - Nr.11 in the World Rank and Nr.2 in Danish Rank
Congratulations for your amazing season! So young and such a great season. What was the secret?
Thank you. I'm excited being interviewed for the first time. My secret is eggs . I eat 5 eggs every morning . In Germany I'm referred to as "Eiweiß Tyr" Did you know eggs are an important source of proteins and that muscles mainly consist of proteins? Need I say more ??
No one expected you to finish so high in the Ranks (12o). Do you think this is expectable from you?
No, even in my dreams I didn't expect such a ranking. I expected to need a few seasons to familiarize with the races first
So young, does that mean that you'll be on top many season?
hopefully I stay spared from injuries and then you never know . Maybe top 5 is possible someday?
Will you ever become the nr.1?
No with an overall average of 54 that is not possible my friend.
moreover, there are no tours for flatroaders so it's mission impossible I would say...
Any expectations for the awards this season? best young rider award would fit me maybe , but I'm not so aware of the other candidates.
What type of rider do you consider yourself?
ein "überwindschutzer", dort können Sie in den Krieg ziehen
Tell us about your next season!
Sieg! Sieg! Sieg! Sieg!
In other words , this season I achieved 3 victories. Next season I want 4!
[article to be updated - Missing Benni Manstein and Ronnie Reeves answers]
Written by Chief Editor Yuri from Yuri SuperTeam to OCMagazine
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