Floortje Mackaij has confirmed that she will not be competing in the Dutch Time Trial Championships on Wednesday. The 28-year-old Movistar rider had a mishap during her reconnaissance of the course in Brabant’s Steenbergen, leading to her withdrawal.
Mackaij had been in Italy preparing for the Dutch championships over the past fortnight. “I had two weeks of excellent training there. Yesterday, I decided to recon the course for the NK time trial, but during the reconnaissance, my derailleur suddenly jammed on a straight road,” she revealed via Instagram.
The rider from Woerden took a hard fall and didn’t escape unscathed. “I fell heavily on my knee and elbow. Stitches were required. Therefore, I will not participate in the NK time trial.”
Despite the setback, Mackaij remains hopeful about racing in Sunday’s road race around Arnhem. “I will take it easy for a few days, then quickly get back on the bike to fight for the red-white-blue jersey on Sunday!” she declared, showing determination.
With Mackaij out, attention turns to the other key contenders for the time trial title, including defending champion Riejanne Markus, Demi Vollering, Mischa Bredewold, Shirin van Anrooij, Loes Adegeest, and Lucinda Brand. These time trial specialists will tackle a flat 36.8-kilometre course starting and finishing in Steenbergen. Demi Vollering notably had to catch a flight this evening to make it back to the Netherlands in time to take part tomorrow.
Main photo credit: Getty
