No Van Aert, no Van der Poel: Sweeck seizes his moment in Koksijde
Cyclo-cross
Laurens Sweeck emerged as the strongest rider on the sandy dunes of Koksijde on Friday. Competing in the X2O Trofee, he battled in a thrilling duel with Dutch rising star Tibor Del Grosso. Thanks to his skill in the sand, the Belgian was able to secure the win in the final laps.
"I’m very satisfied, especially to now have my name on the honors list here," Sweeck said in the post-race flash interview. "In the past, I often came up against a super-Wout or super-Mathieu (Van Aert, Van der Poel, ed.). So I’m glad I was finally able to finish it off this time." Sweeck faced stiff competition from U23 world champion Del Grosso, and it wasn’t until the penultimate lap that he managed to create a decisive gap. "In the first half, we were very evenly matched, and I tried to work well together with him," Sweeck explained.
"We took turns nicely," he continued. "In the second half, I tried to use the sand sections to my advantage and put Del Grosso under pressure that way." Despite this strategy, Sweeck wasn’t entirely confident. "I wasn’t at ease until I was able to create that decisive gap in the penultimate lap. After that, I could focus on the sand sections, execute my plan, and avoid making mistakes. That worked out quite well. In the final half-lap, I was confident of the win."
Sweeck is having a great season with five wins
Sweeck is having an excellent season, having also won the evening race in Diegem earlier this week. The Crelan-Corendon rider admits he can’t pinpoint exactly why things have been clicking this season. "I don’t have an exact recipe; otherwise, last season would have gone better too. But starting the season strong always helps for me." While not every race has been perfect, Sweeck has already claimed five victories this season. "The season isn’t over yet, so I can definitely say I’m doing really well at the moment."
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Latest Comments
- This was very informative! Luiz Antonio Duarte Ferreiraluizantonioduarteferreira02-01-2025
- Well explained, thanks for the clarity! Daniel DantasDanieldantas20-12-2024
- This is the kind of 'news' that belongs in a cheap tabloid. No matter how boring the offseason gets, nobody wants to read this.
santiagobenites19-12-2024 - I wish we could have seen him try. He'd absolutely get dropped before Pogi overtakes his domestiquesVeganpotter10-12-2024
- Talk is cheap! Next year barring crashes with a healthy team... all well be on track! Some need to talk to make a headline!mootman27-11-2024
- I do not see this event listed on HBO Max Sports Online? Can anyone confirm? Thanks!
MrYuck23-11-2024 - It seemed that he was focusing forward at the time of the crash, after seeing a quick video snippet. But one thing I think he should focus on more intently is breaking a bad habit he has, right now. And that is his constant looking over his shoulders. He does that so much, that I am very sure it is not good for him. Simply watch videos of the greats of CX and you will see very little of that constant looking over their shoulders. That is a behavior that betrays a bit of insecurity on his part. He shouldn't be so concerned, incessantly, about what is over his shoulder. He needn't worry they didn't all disappear. He neds to keep his focus more ahead of himself, and he needs to pay a bit more attention to himself, in a confident manner. It is very frustrating to watch, because it is apparent that he has a lot of potential, and is in much better shape thwan many of his competitors, but the mental game needs to be sharpened more, because that part of strategy plays a huge part in the final results
reemmo022-11-2024 - hahahaha love this shit! I didnt even watched the race, but reading all the gossip articles of how stupid this is!Zatoichi19-11-2024
- Van Aert is really handsome. He can influence me all day! Ditto for Philipsen. Why do you think many of us love cycling?: to see heroic attempts at climbing mountains at high altitudes or to watch speedsters sprint for the finish line or to watch a human being ride at break neck speed down a tricky descent? No, it's all about their lean physiques and muscular legs. (apologies for objectifying these dedicated and amazing athletes).BarwonHeadsUp25-10-2024
- It is unfortunate that the author can't feel the joy that Pogacar brings to the sport and his fans who are legion and I for one feel lucky to have watched such a memorable performance and historic season From the Strada until yesterday with multiple wins in stages in both tours and beyond dominance in the World's. He is proud to wear the Rainbow stripes, shows his leadership to protect his fellows and is as courteous and sportsman-like as the sport allows. He goes early to not have to respond to each attack as all the rest would make him do it. Any racer who could would do the same. Don't "grow tired" of greatness as it is always fleeting.ccrider13-10-2024