"Small crash, big consequences" - Lander Loockx will take few weeks off to recover from injuries suffered in Niel Superprestige

With a splendid road debut in the back, Lander Loockx returned to cyclocross this winter, aiming to ideally breakthrough in field as well. And with couple of high-level top-5 results, it indeed seemed like the TDT-Unibet rider was on his way to have maybe the best cross winter of his career.

Despite a far from ideal start in Niel Superprestige on Monday, Loockx aimed for another quality result in Niel. But a crash has not only taken Loockx out of the race, but also out of competition for a couple weeks, as he needs to recover first.

"Small crash, big consequences..." Loockx opens a story on X. The Belgian had a solid start to the season and aimed even higher for race to come, he reminds: "After my fifth place in Rucphen last Saturday, I was determined to fight again for a good result in Niel today."

The race didn't start out perfectly, but the 27-year-old was gradually passing riders and on his way to finish in the top-10 when disaster struck: "I was moving up during the race and was fighting for a spot in the top 10, but unfortunately I had a small crash in one of the last laps. A small crash, but one with big consequences..."

The Belgian immediately knew things were not good as he provides more detail of his injures: "I badly damaged my finger with a dislocation (I will spare you the details…) and a damaged joint. After the surgery in the hospital, the verdict was that I will be out for several weeks."

Giving up is not an option according to optimistic Loockx who promises to swiftly return as soon as the wounds heal up: "When I will be back in the field is still a question mark for me, but it will be a few weeks anyway. Hope to see you all at the cross again soon!"