Dutch talent shows well in Overijse, but promises that his goals will remain on the road
Media and fans alike were treated to a great race at the Druivencross in Overijse, Belgium today. Sven Nys was at the top of his game and rode to a powerful win, his second of the weekend. Behind, in seventh place, was the day's big story though.
Dutch cyclocross champion and now full-time road racer, Lars Boom, participated in his second cyclocross race of the season. He showed that he is without question still one of the best in the sport, even if he only participates in a couple of races per season.
The tall Dutchman stormed to a quick lead immediately after the start. He was continually at the fore of the race until a late flat tire put paid to his chances for a top finish. He eventually finished a solid seventh, satisfied with his effort.
Speaking with Het Laatste Nieuws after his excellent performance, Boom was pleased.
"I came to amuse myself, no more than that. So you better pay attention to the real racers, since I do not count myself as one any longer. I am a road racer, and I want to use cross racing as good preparation."
The media uproar and his fine ride were enough to keep the questions coming as to whether Boom might reconsider his decision to not race the World Championships in Sankt Wendel. Boom is adamant though - his goals lie on the road.
"You will really not see me at the World Championships, because I will be at a [Rabobank] team training camp in Spain with the rest of the team."
Looking back at the race, the soon to be 25 year old uber-talent, had no regrets about how the race played out, even without the front flat, he conceded that the race was Nys's.
"I agree that I rode a good race. With Pauwels and I both chasing, we kept Nys close, but I do not think we could have gotten him even without my flat tire. Sven was master of the situation."
Speaking with Sporza, the former Cyclocross World Champion admitted that his gig was up when the air left his front tire: "Then it was a bit over, but that does not matter. I raced a beautiful race and the audience was happy."
"I'm glad I was well received and that I could race at the front. These guys did a hard race yesterday, so it's logical that I could be a little more toward the front. I'm glad I could race."
It wouldn't be a talk with Lars Boom if there wasn't a tinge of the cockiness for which he's famous though. In parting, he confessed: "I thought it would be more difficult, but that's normal I guess."
While Sven Nys thinks is disappointed not to be able to do battle with Boom on a regular basis, Nys's national team coach, Rudy de Bie, is not disappointed at all.
"I have only admiration for him. He showed again what a great engine he has. He must of course decide whether or not he races the World Championships, but I will not miss him," said the Belgian to Wieler Update.
Boom's appearances are indeed tantalizing. It's hard not to wonder what the cyclocross scene would look like with his regular attendance. Nys, Albert, Stybar, and Boom along with Pauwels, Wellens, and Vantornout in the wings? It would be too good to be true. It will certainly be disappointing if Stybar too decides to leave cyclocross completely behind, but it's certainly apparent through Boom that for the riders with the right engines in cyclocross, there's no calming the deafening call of the Spring Classics.