"It could be over after three minutes" - Belgian coach Sven Vanthourenhout wouldn't be surprised by Mathieu van der Poel's absolute dominance in Tábor

Belgian national coach Sven Vanthourenhout realizes that winning the title on the World Championships course in Tábor will be a hard task against seemingly invincible Mathieu van der Poel. However the ex-pro knows that his riders won't give up without a fight, even if the race might be over very soon, he admits to WielerFlits.

The relatively muddy course in Tábor could contribute to this. "When I see the state of the course, it could be over after three minutes. I will be satisfied when everyone has risen above themselves based on their individual strengths and we have done the maximum possible."

Although most of the Belgians welcome the tougher course. "Many boys and girls are enthusiastic about the change in the course. We have cross riders through and through and they love those conditions. It is a good turn of events."

"I think we should aim for the highest possible result among the pros," Vanthourenhout says. "Riders are very ambitious but also realistic. Winning seems to be a difficult story, but if second is the highest achievable, then they will certainly fight for it."