Tom Meeusen is not yet done with pro cyclocross - "I hope to continue for longer"

In Exact Cross Essen, Tom Meeusen will ride in front of his home audience for the first time in three years.

"After three years, my fans are finally seeing me again in my hometown. I'm going to fold double," Meeusen said. He continues, "Last year, I was not there due to a communication error with the organisation. A year earlier, I did, but because of the corona, no public was allowed then. So it's been a long time since I've raced in front of my own audience. I am sincerely looking forward to it.”

He further added, “Those extra cheers still make me perform a few per cent better. Fans who stay for a beer afterwards or drop by the mobile home, I still enjoy that. However, I have to admit at the same time that my following is not as big as a few years ago. Logical, when you ride less in the picture."

It is not time for Meeusen to retire yet. He must first regain his former self in order to decide whether or not to continue riding. "Not yet. I had a dip, but Guido then convinced me to fight back. I don't know what 2023 will look like. Let's wait for the Christmas period first. At that stage of the season, you are less dependent on selections, and there are quite a lot of chances to prove yourself. If I reach my normal level, I hope to continue for longer. However, if I can no longer keep up, I will keep the honour to myself. But then that won't have to be accompanied by a big farewell party. I don't mind a lot of shows. But let's focus on the sport first. Starting with Essen, where I'm going to fold double,” concluded Meeusen.