Belgian federation president Tom Van Damme is also not on the same page as UCI chairman David Lappartient who recently openly criticized Thibau Nys for skipping the World Cup in Dendermonde. What is the federation chairman's solution to make the World Cup more attractive?
"It's clear that the World Cup is too big at the moment," he says. "I argue for a reduction: a maximum of 8 to 10 races, with ideally only one race per country. That is really promotion for cyclo-cross."
There should be no mandatory participation. "Then you would have a field of 10 to 15 riders, without the top riders. Participation is also not mandatory in mountain biking and on the road. Cyclo-cross should be no exception to this."
"Linking World Championships participation to it doesn't seem like a good decision to me either. Then you get a handicapped World Championships. That in turn has consequences for the interest of the organizers. That is cutting into their own flesh."
🖊️ Contract news: 🇧🇪 Thibau Nys has extended his contract with Lidl-Trek and Baloise Trek Lions until end 2026. 🗨️ "I want to level up my game, ride bigger races and become more consistent in my results. The bottom line is I want to win more races!" 📰 racing.trekbikes.com/stories/lidl-t…
