They were two spectacular victories: first in Essen, then in Merksplas (Belgium). Laurens Sweeck showed, after a few less impressive winters, that he could still compete for wins in cyclo-cross. However, the following day, when the Belgian lined up for another race, he completely fell short. On Sunday in Hamme, he lost no less than two minutes to his competitors. How could this happen?
Sweeck provided an explanation for these puzzling results in Het Nieuwsblad. Twice, he experienced a significant drop-off in performance the day after a victory. He’s not taking any half-measures to address it: the Crelan-Corendon rider is spending the week in Mallorca, where training and recharging are better than in rain-soaked, cold Belgium. "After two of my wins, I had a major slump the next day. That’s definitely something to work on in the coming weeks."
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Sweeck is open about his current form. "Especially on Sunday in the Flandriencross in Hamme, the efforts from the day before in Merksplas were still weighing on me, and I didn’t have the legs to compete for the win or a close finish. That’s not just due to increased competition and the fact that right now, anyone in the top ten can beat anyone else, but also because of my own fitness level, which I need to improve. That’s a focus point for the coming days and weeks," he concluded.
To address this, he has traveled to warmer Mallorca before heading home this weekend. "I have a place not far from the airport, in a quiet area. I can train alone in better weather and complete peace. I also heard that Corné van Kessel and Toon Aerts are staying nearby this week. Maybe I’ll join them for some group rides," said Sweeck, who is looking to regain top form this winter.