Bart Aernouts is chasing MTB victories during the off-season. © Dan Seaton
Many of the world’s best ‘crossers aren’t just ‘cross racers, though most of us might like to think that ‘cross is the priority. Cyclocross Magazine is following multiple disciplines to track down the latest on our sport’s favorite stars, so that our reader’s can keep up to date.
Rabobank, a very familiar name in the world of cross, is celebrating wins as some of their top ‘cross racers spend their “off-seasons” keeping their form sharp in other disciplines. Bart Aernouts riding for the Rabo-Giant Offroad Team took a recent win at the twelfth edition of the Goossens Merida Mountainbike Trophy. Given the conditions on the course during the race, it’s not hard to see where a strong ‘cross background would come in handy. Riders were reported to be pummeled by heavy rains several times during the race, and found themselves hub-deep in water more than once. The Rabobank riders ruled the race from start to finish and quickly turned the day into a contest between the three teammates.
Gerben de Knegt, another top ‘crosser, Aernouts and Marco Minnaard rode away from the rest of field almost before the gun went off. With the absence of many of Europe’s other top riders, the Rabo trio ruled the day with de Knegt toeing the line as the favorite. de Knegt and Aernouts battled throughout the day, with Aernouts riding away on the final lap for the victory. de Knegt held on for second, while Minnaard rolled in for third to complete the all Rabo podium.
