Joris Nieuwenhuis is not very concerned with his own result at World Championships: "I'd be extremely satisfied with any medal"

Every cyclocross seems to be awaiting Mathieu van der Poel's triumph in Tábor, yet the greatest threat for the phenomenal Dutchman might come from his own lines. Could the Dutch champion Joris Nieuwenhuis be the one to dethrone to king of cyclocross? In de Leiderstrui approached the Baloise - Trek Lions rider to learn about his ambitons for upcoming World Championships.

"I was already very confident that things would go well. I am heading towards the world championship very relaxed, as I have already won the National Championships and a few other great competitions. Of course, you want to do well at such World Championships. But my season simply doesn't depend on it anymore. There is not so much pressure and that is nice."

"I had set myself a few goals for this year. But I had not put the pressure on myself to, in addition to a possible National Championship win, also podium at the World Championships and win World Cups."

"Of course I will do my utmost. In any case, the shape is good, that's not the reason. So we'll see what will come of it. I am extremely satisfied with any medal. But again: if that doesn't work, my season won't suddenly be no longer successful. It's not a make or break competition. It would be a shame, but no more than that. Then we'll just move on."