In the Mud Mode series, we delve into the world of cyclocross. The sport where you're at full throttle for an hour, cycling alternates with climbing stairs with the bike on your shoulder, and your feet get sucked into the muddy ground. From muddy corners, steep descents, and the battle for the holeshot; it's all there.
On September 14th, the cyclocross season officially opened with the renowned Kleebergcross in Mechelen. Among the dozens of elite riders who took to the field was Emiel Jansman, from the beautiful Hellendoorn and riding Airoman.cc products. After a summer with few competitions, he couldn't wait to get back out of the starting blocks and see what the season would bring.
More rest, more hours, more progress
This summer, Emiel consciously chose fewer races and focused more on training and rest. Emiel: "Normally, I race the Viro Cup in the summer. But that took a lot of energy last year—especially because I had a classification to defend—and because of that, I started the cyclocross season feeling tired." Reason enough for Emiel to approach things differently this year and put himself first. "Without all those races, I was able to recharge mentally and started training much more refreshed. I was able to put in a lot more hours and I noticed I really got fitter." In addition to the many endurance training sessions, he also focused more on strength training and running.
He also made room at work. 'I've gone down to 32 hours a week, which means I now have two afternoons off. That gave me much more balance.' Another essential element in the run-up to this cyclocross season was the change of coach. According to Emiel, 'the best decision I could have made.' The previously somewhat general training sessions were now specifically tailored to him. 'That bit of personal attention also gave me extra motivation and enjoyment!'
Smart gear for long endurance training
For the long endurance training sessions, Emiel benefited greatly from the hydro base layer from A iroman.cc "For rides longer than three hours , that was very handy, especially if I didn't encounter any restaurants." Besides the hydro base layer, Emiel always rides with the short aero gloves from Airoman.cc, which, he says, "fit really well" and "offer a lot of comfort." And the aero socks? "They—besides their aerodynamic advantage—are also just great for morale!"
First starting shot in Mechelen
After a summer full of positive change, Emiel was eager to start the first race in Mechelen. He wasn't really nervous, he admits: "I just let it happen." Despite mechanical problems on the first lap, Emiel quickly found his flow and overtook rider after rider. Emiel: "I was able to keep up the pace on the two climbs and was surprised by the speed with which I overtook others. Each lap I improved, and I was able to take certain sections faster and sharper. At one point, I heard I was in 15th place, and that gave me a little extra energy." With a twelfth-place finish in the first cyclocross race, Emiel was more than satisfied. "I had no idea beforehand how I would fare. I knew my level was higher than in previous years, but how that would play out in the elite field remained to be seen." So, in terms of level, things are looking good, and Emiel can focus on what he can still improve. "The start, in particular, could be a lot more intense. Now that I know the basic level is good, I'm going to focus on that."
First starting shot in Mechelen
Now that the cyclocross season has really begun and the weekends are filled with racing, good planning is essential. For Emiel, rhythm is important, so the weeks generally follow the same pattern: "Monday is always a rest day, although I have to be at work from eight o'clock. Wednesday is also an intensive day with the KNWU cross-training program. Around that, I mainly do easy training sessions and make sure I get enough sleep. Power naps are the rule rather than the exception."
What's to come?
Looking ahead to the rest of the cyclocross season, Emiel is most looking forward to the races in Belgium. "I always love the races in Loenhout, Maldegem, Lille, etc." His main goal is also to find a good flow. "I hope to get on the podium at the national races. At the international races, the goal is mainly to learn and develop myself more and more as a true cyclocross rider. It would be great if I could earn UCI points at some point, but whether that's feasible remains to be seen."
One thing's for sure: for Emiel, there's nothing better than cyclocross. "The hardship, the constant effort, pushing yourself to the limit, and crossing the finish line completely exhausted. I love it!"
Want to keep up with Emiel (and other Airoman.cc riders)? Follow us on Instagram. @airomaniacyclingclub or read more soon on Airoman.cc !