The Dutch national mountain-bike championships is set for the August 6th in Noorbeek, the Netherlands. Speculation about who can challenge perennial champion Bart Brentjens involves riders like Jelmer Pietersma of the Dolphin Bike Team and some dangerous outsiders like Bas Peters, Gerben de Knegt and Thijs Al. Another contender for the overall win in Sunday's championship men's race, although he rides in the espoir category and is not classified as an Elite, is Rudi van Houts. Van Houts won a tremendous silver medal at the European Championships in Italy and is one of those riders that will be able to mingle into the medals for the pro elite as well.
Brentjes will certainly not get the championship as a present if it's up to the youngsters. It promises to be an exciting race.
