Van der Haar skips Fayeteville, prioritizes longevity and European calendar: "I know myself"

Lars van der Haar has travelled to the USA to race the opening World Cup round in Waterloo, but his stay was short and he has already returned to Europe. A recent dad, and with a long season ahead, he decided to skip the second round of the World Cup.

“After more than 15 years of racing, I know myself and I know that jet lag is cutting it. After Fayetteville I don't feel like traveling to Tabór (next World Cup) almost immediately. Going home from Waterloo via Chicago is easier than going home from Fayetteville," van der Haar told reporters after his short trip to the USA. "There you have to make two trips. First a long domestic flight of four hours, then a few hours of waiting and another ten hours flying home. That journey is much more intensive. By going home on Monday, I can do some extra training at home."

Having been in the field for many years, van der Haar is dedicating himself to more specific goals, and not hunting the victory in the World Cup. He rode to third place at the opening round in Waterloo, and took the win in the Trek Cup days prior. He won't race Fayeteville - the second World Cup - in order to prioritize the European calendar and longevity in the season.

He was asked about the possibility of having second-row starts because of the points he won't score in Fayeteville, but he was not too concerned. “That is in my favour. I am a quick starter and therefore often have to put in all that effort at the head of the group. So I prefer to be in the second row," he concluded.