Enzo Leijnse crowned as Dutch U23 national champion after sensational TT

This week Team DSM riders head home as they take on the national championships within their native country. On Wednesday, it was Development Team DSM rider Enzo Leijnse who managed to crown himself as Dutch U23 national champion in time trialling and can proudly wear the national tricolour for the rest of the year during TTs.

It was Leijnse’s third appearance in the Dutch U23 national championships, having finished fifth and third in the two previous editions. Therefore, the 21-year-old rider from Team DSM’s Development program was eager to do better and improve once again, and he did just that. After flying around the 42-kilometre-long course in Elspeet he stopped the clock in 51 minutes and 21 seconds, moving into the provisional hot seat. Last year’s winner, Van der Tuuk, still had to finish but he was not to be able to beat the lightning-fast time from Leijnse, which crowned him as Dutch U23 national champion in the time trial.

“It was a long time trial which suits my characteristics well,” said Leijnse after the finish. “I didn’t have any big expectations and pressure on myself going into the day because I had food poisoning after the Baby Giro. I gave it my all though and was rewarded with the top step which is amazing. I’m super happy with this after many years just missing the top step in an event like this.”