"A modern cyclocross rider can no longer afford not to race on the road" - Belgian coach advises cyclocross teams to look for more competitive summer calendar

Cyclocross has over the past decade been taken over by multi-disciplinary talents. Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, Tom Pidcock, Marianne Vos, Fem van Empel and now Thibau Nys seem to grow above the level of the "purists" and one of the sport's main figures believes it is now key to race a very competitive road season throughout the summer.

“A modern cyclocross rider can no longer afford not to race on the road. If you want to compete at the highest level in cyclo-cross, you have to make choices. And you have to ride a more than decent road program," Belgian national coach Sven Vanthourenhout told Het Nieuwsblad. "These should not be competitions at WorldTour level. But a small cross team must also consider a summer road program for their riders in the winter months.”

With the rise of Thibau Nys, at 20 years of age, the Belgian's point seems to be evident. Riders who have a World Tour - or similar - calendar throughout the year - manage to reach a higher level during the winter, somewhat of a mutual benefit situation. With this however, teams like Pauwels Sauzen - Bingoal may not be taking the step they need. Having a calendar (although not all main CX riders do) with a continental team on the road, throughout the spring and summer these riders aren't doing races that push their level to grow.

“Until further notice, Iserbyt is the best crosser we have. You can tell by all his data. He has an engine that is made for racing. There is still room for improvement," Vanthourenhout believes, arguing that a calendar (or team) change during the summer could see the Belgian improve even further during the key winter months. "I think there are other opportunities down the road that could help him improve. But of course that interpretation has to be done by his team.”