Sven Nys "completely understands" Pidcock opting to skip Cyclocross World Championship defence: "He knew that it had become difficult to beat Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel"

When Tom Pidcock announced his decision to skip the defence of his Cyclocross World Championship title there was criticism from many. Now with the race just days away, Sven Nys has revealed his belief that the Englishman mate the correct decison.

'I completely understand him. With the way Tom is preparing for his road season, he had to make his choice early," Nys says in conversation with Cycling Weekly. " Of course, he also knew that it had become difficult to beat Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel on the course in Hoogerheide."

'If you have to make an effort to become world champion in Hoogerheide, it takes an incredible amount of energy. That could have an impact in April. That is why Tom has now made the choice not to do the World Championship," he continues. "If there is a course that suits him well in a few years' time, Tom will make the decision to ride the World Championship again."

So the question is, what kind of course could draw the reigning cyclocross world champion back in the coming years? "Pidcock is a rider who weighs less than sixty kilograms, so on a course like Hoogerheide he has to compete against Wout and Mathieu. They weigh 75 kilograms and have the pure power," Nys explains. "That is why Pidcock must base his choice on his possibilities and ambitions. If more climbing was needed, I'm sure he would have been there."