"My cyclocross year will end on January 20" - Lander Loockx is not planning to start at the cyclocross World Championships

Lander Loockx is an interesting figure wearing the TDT-Unibet colours both on and off the road. IDLProCycling had a chat with the Belgian just ahead of the Rucphen cyclocross which he later finished in respectable fourth place. At first glance, a fine result, except that Loockx had a hard fall midway through the race.

"That even meant a trip to the hospital," he later wrote on Instagram. "I felt strong and, despite a few small mistakes at the start of the race, I was always able to keep up with the race leaders. So, I am in alright shape," he sounded quite optimistic.

Progress in terms of cyclo-cross results is the top priority for the modest Loockx, who says he usually aims for a top ten finish in televised races. And that is something he has already achieved, for example, at Koppenberg and Merksplas. "With occasional surges towards the top five, my season would be an absolute success. I managed that at the very beginning of the year in Beringen. That was a nice start. A few more results like that would definitely complete the picture, although I can't complain about my results so far."

Many cyclo-cross riders end their season after the World Championships in Tábor. However, Loockx will do so earlier. "I still have some busy weeks ahead, but my cyclocross year will end on January 20. This will allow me to start preparing for the road season a bit earlier." Because that road season is also important for the Belgian. "I don't have any concrete plans yet regarding my racing schedule. That will have to be worked out in further detail during our training camp. But the goal is definitely to start the year somewhere in March."