Tom Meeusen hints at retirement after Christmas block: "One more time I want to enjoy that atmosphere"

Tom Meeusen, one of cyclocross' modern legends, is likely to retire at the end of 2022. The Deschacht - Hens - Maes rider has struggled with an injury this season, and feels like it's time to hang up the wheels. 

The Belgian started off his season strongly with a 5th place in the Polderscross, 12th and 17th in the USA's World Cups, however on his return to Europe he crashed at the Nacht van Woerden. “I immediately felt that it was serious. And I wouldn't qualify for the European Championship or World Cup races. That meant that I would not race for a month," he said in a recent interview.

His thoughts of leaving the sport professionally had already been present, but the crash has anticipated it. “I went to the local bike shop and offered my services. I could start right away," he revealed. However, due to some convincing from the team manager, he has decided to give it another go, but will likely officially retire at the end of the year, as he explains: 

“Manager Guido Verschueren has let me know that they will continue to support me. This way I couldn't stop. Normally I start again on November 11 in Niel. In good spirits." Meeusen is unlikely to return to the World Cups, but will have several races mostly based on the Superprestige and X2O Badkamers Cups to fill up his calendar.

Meeusen is a winner of two World Cup races throughout his career, but several others in a long stint in cyclocross. “For those achievements you have to go back ten years in time. I don't want to live on those successes. I'm not 20 anymore, but I still want to be able to offer the team something," he continued.

“We've been doing everything we can for a month and a half now. After that, we will see if I can still add value as a professional," he reveals. His particular goal will lie in the Christmas block, and if the decision is to be reverted it will be following those races.

"The crosses around Christmas, that's what I do it for. That is the best time of the season. Then the audience is rows thick, I love that! One more time I want to enjoy that atmosphere, one more time I want to throw myself between those great men," he concluded.