Van der Haar is really disappointed: "The calendar is too full, I have to skip a few of my favorite cyclocross races"

If you had the chance to watch the cyclocross race in Overijse, you witnessed an exhilarating spectacle. In the end, Eli Iserbyt secured the victory after avoiding a crucial mishap by Thibau Nys. Lars van der Haar appeared destined for fourth place but found himself on the podium, thanks to Nys' misfortune. After the award ceremonies, the 'Terrier of Woudenberg' sat down for a one-on-one chat with IDLProCycling.com.

"Of course, it was a bit of a gift. I feel really sorry for Thibau, but he went all in, and I respect that," Van der Haar began his analysis, offering words of praise to his much younger teammate from Baloise Trek Lions. "I would have gladly signed up for a third-place finish myself. I was able to contest at the front for the entire race and secure that podium spot, though it would have been better if it came without the gift. I didn't have a particular attack strategy in mind. I just wanted to compete with the best and see if I had improved. Judging by my performance, I believe I've made progress. Hopefully, I can maintain this upward trajectory."

Van der Haar suspects Baloise Trek Lions team play with Thibau Nys will occur more often 

In the Exact Cross in Beringen, Van der Haar secured a fourth-place finish, and in Waterloo, the Utrecht native came in fifth. Was he not content with these results? "I was satisfied with my performance in the first few races, but I'm the kind of rider who needs a few races to get into the groove. I'm not like Thibau or Eli, who are in the mix for wins right from the start. That's not something I've experienced throughout my career, haha! Normally, the September races were ideal to find my rhythm, but due to the late start of the season, it's now October. I must say it's progressing faster than expected, which is a positive."

Van der Haar acknowledges that he didn't make any significant errors during the "Mother of all Crosses." "In the last lap, I just couldn't keep up. The others could accelerate from time to time while I was struggling. Furthermore, I made a minor steering error that seemed pivotal in the end. A two-second gap turned into three, and three quickly became five. At that point, you're just trying to hang on. On the bright side, I did lead at certain points."

In Flemish Brabant, there was a thrilling two-on-two battle at one point: Nys and Van der Haar from Baloise Trek Lions against Iserbyt and Michael Vanthourenhout from Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal. It was a sight to behold and served as perfect promotion for cyclocross. "Thibau and I collaborated well. We managed to put the pressure on Eli and Michael, creating an engaging competition. It's gratifying that Thibau and I are willing to give each other opportunities. I believe this kind of partnership will lead to many great results in the future."

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Koppenbergcross and EK cyclo-cross are first main goals of Van der Haar, who bitterly regrets not being able to defend Superprestige title

Last cyclocross winter, Van der Haar added the final ranking of the Superprestige to his list of achievements. Given this, one might think that the cheerful Dutchman would be eager to contend for the prestigious classification once again this winter. However, the reality is quite different. "I won't be participating in the full Superprestige series this season. I'll probably skip three or four rounds. As someone who has a strong affinity for the Superprestige, it's disappointing for me not to compete in the entire series. But the calendar is too packed. Last year, I did the entire series, but it took a toll on me. Regrettably, I had to make the tough decision to skip some of my favorite races," laments the veteran rider. "Moreover, I'm not the type to sign up for an entire series and then withdraw due to illness. I don't like that approach. I'd rather be honest and, unfortunately, skip a few races. The Christmas period is too hectic, and choices have to be made."

At the beginning of November, Van der Haar has an important objective in sight: the European Cyclocross Championship, taking place this year in Pontchâteau, France. "I'll be preparing for the European Championship with races in Ruddervoorde (Superprestige), Maasmechelen (World Cup), and the Koppenberg (X2O Trophy)," he explains, outlining his preparation plan. "I'll also participate in the Woerden cross, which is practically a home race for me. It's ideal for getting in top form for the European Championships. Notably, I have a strong track record at the 'Night of Woerden,' having won it six times in a row."

"The Koppenbergcross is my first major goal," he continues, discussing his priorities. "I have wonderful memories of that race, and I find the course to be quite beautiful. Hopefully, I can achieve my first peak performance there because performing well at the Koppenbergcross typically translates to success at the European Championships. Nevertheless, it's challenging to predict the European Championship course. The last time I raced there, I was riding around fifteenth. Toon Aerts claimed the title in an impressive fashion back then. This year, we might see a similar course. Weather conditions will also play a significant role, and heavy rain could make it even more demanding than usual. Clearly, I am approaching my main objectives for the season with high ambitions."