Sven Nys hopes Baloise-Trek Lions' riders will take another step in this CX season: "Sometimes they don't dare lose in order to win"

Baloise Trek Lions will start the cyclo-cross season with ambition. Big names such as Lars van der Haar, Thibau Nys, Shirin van Anrooij and Lucinda Brand must ensure success in the elite categories, but there has also been heavy investment in youth. A balanced team in other words.

"It is up to us to get toughness into the team," team manager Sven Nys tells WielerFlits. "We don't just attract riders based on talent, they also have to fit into our team. Both in terms of communication and mentality," he explains about the roster selection process.

"Finishing is sometimes still lacking, but that has nothing to do with the physical aspect. It sometimes creeps into our athletes that they are cautious. Sometimes they don't dare lose in order to win. They have to make an effort every now and then at a time when they think 'will it work out?', they still think too often."

"That can make the difference, going for it every now and then and seeing where the ship ends up. It is up to us to instill that toughness, but it is also a matter of trust. If that works once, it builds confidence and then the rest of the team grows along with it. In any case, we will start the fight," Nys concludes.