"A big step has been taken" - Lander Loockx sees marked improvement after finishing studies and being able to focus fully on Cyclocross

Competing more prominently towards the front of the action both in Superprestige and UCI World Cup races this winter, Lander Loockx is feeling the benefits of being able to concentrate fully on his professional career.

“This season I'm doing a good 20 crosses. Perhaps this will decrease slightly in the coming years if things go well in the summer, but it will never be much less. A better road program will, in principle, also make me a better rider," the 26-year-old Belgian says in conversation with Wielerflits. "Just look at Thibau Nys, you really reap the benefits of that. I am convinced that this will also have a positive effect on me.”

Having graduated with a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics at the UCLL in Leuven, Loockx can now fully dedicate himself to bike racing in the coming years. “I'm very happy that I did that, but it was difficult. It has slowed down my career. For example, in my final year I had to do a part-time internship for 14 weeks. If you have to compete against riders who can fully focus on the cross..." he assesses. "The exam periods were also difficult. It was a difficult combination, but it now gives me peace that I have my diploma.”

“If things ever go wrong, I have something in hand," he notes positively. "I have much more time to train and rest. A big step has been taken and I continue to take steps, even though I am 'already' 26. This winter is also much better than last year. Now it is important to continue growing at TDT-Unibet.”