Sven Nys on Joris Nieuwenhuis' absence in CX World Cup Antwerpen - "Between Joris and Mathieu, Mathieu always goes for it"

Mathieu van der Poel will return to cyclocross inUCI World Cup Hulst. The news is not so happy for Joris Nieuwenhuis. In the World Cup races, only top 50 UCI riders are allowed to compete, but Nieuwenhuis is not among them.

"We have no problems with it at all," said Sven Nys , team manager of Baloise Trek Lions. "We just have to be honest, when it really comes down to it and a choice has to be made between Joris and Mathieu, Mathieu always goes for it. We don't have any problems with that at all. It's just the annoying thing about the UCI situation where the national coach has to make the choice. We have respect for that choice," Nys told WielerFlits.

Nys shared some more things about the Dutch rider."I find it very motivating to work with Joris. He brings a lot of stability and know-how from the WorldTour with him. Moreover, he is a very quiet and pleasant guy to talk to.A number of young guys therefore look up to Nieuwenhuis. His performance is also really good right away, beyond expectations even.”

Nys will focus on training the young rider in summer so that next time he will not have to face such situation. "We will have to put a lot of hardness and volume into his training. That heavier training combined with nippiness, explosiveness and a positive mental flow offers a lot of opportunities. Basically next year we will have someone there who should always ride in the top five. Hopefully we can then also battle for the win one day," concluded Nys.