Sven Nys says Tom Pidcock skipping cyclo-cross World title defence ‘makes sense’

‘An effort to win in Hoogerheide will cost so much’ says Belgian cyclocross legend on a course that favours Pidcock's rivals

Tom Pidcock
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Belgian cyclo-cross legend Sven Nys has said that he understands the decision making behind cyclo-cross World Champion Tom Pidcock skipping the upcoming worlds in the Netherlands.

Both reigning champions Pidcock and Marianne Vos will sit out the competition in Hoogerheide, the Netherlands. Vos will miss out due to injury whereas Pidcock is skipping the event to prepare for the start of the fast-approaching spring classics on the road. A decision which Nys has said “makes sense”. 

Speaking to Cycling Weekly, Nys explained that he believes the course in Hoogerheide does not favour a rider with the physiology of Pidcock, and that it would take a gargantuan effort to beat both Mathieu van der Poel and Wout Van Aert, something which could prove costly later in the season. 

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Tom Thewlis
News and Features Writer

Tom has been writing for Cycling Weekly since 2022 and his news stories, rider interviews and features appear both online and in the magazine. 

Since joining the team, he has reported from some of professional cycling's biggest races and events including the Tour de France and the World Championships in Glasgow. He has also covered major races elsewhere across the world. As well as on the ground reporting, Tom writes race reports from the men's and women's WorldTour and focuses on coverage of UK domestic cycling.