"The UCI president wanted to assert himself, but this was not the way" - Niels Albert on David Lappartient

Niels Albert, legend of cyclocross and former headliner has talked about the recent statements and threats of David Lappartient. His reaction includes what he believes could actually make a difference in attracting more riders into the World Cup.

“The UCI president wanted to assert himself, but this was not the way," Niels Albert told Het Laatste Nieuws. "Riders should be able to make their own choice – always. If they would let me do this, I would quickly have a solution ready: sick notes. One week for diarrhea, the next for mild depression. And what would the UCI have said?” The president of the UCI stated that it could be possible that riders who do not race all 14 World Cup rounds may not race the World Championships. Albert believes this was an attempt to assert himself more than a real proposal.

Because as is clear and was pointed out by Bart Wellens, this would exclude most of the sport's main stars for cyclocross' main events. Albert, who raced at a time where there were a much more manageable 8 races, proposes other ideas: “It's great to be able to race abroad every now and then, Dublin or something, but don't overdo it, because it quickly becomes artificial. And that costs a lot of money for the riders. Give the top ten of the final rankings an extra 3,000 euros in starting money in each World Cup competition in the following season."

"That will cost you an extra 60,000 euros per round, men and women together. I think the UCI can afford that. 3,000 euros is also good money for the top riders. You will immediately see an effect: a very large group of riders will try to finish in the top ten. There will be more competition and experience in the World Cup than ever before. Please."