Potential World Championship feud between Nys and the Baloise Trek Lions-Dutchmen swiftly addressed: "That's what being a professional is all about"

Speaking to Braes right after the Mixed Relay—the championship's opening event—he was primarily there to support up-and-comer Ward Huybs. Yet, for Braes, getting another close look at the course was a valuable opportunity. "It was frozen and tricky, but the thaw has set in, turning it into a power course. It's going to stay that way, ensuring fair competition. It remains a fast race, but strength is still essential, both in the mud and through the turns. It's set to be a great race," he observes.

On Saturday, Lucinda Brand will be the first elite from Baloise Trek Lions to take on the course, and Braes feels it suits her well. "For Lucinda, the conditions are more favorable now than if it had been deeply frozen. However, we have to stay grounded. Fem van Empel is in a league of her own, but just like with the men and Mathieu, you have to seize every opportunity," Braes advises. "If Fem encounters a mechanical issue—which, of course, we wouldn't wish upon her—you have to be ready. Anything can happen in racing; anyone can have an off day or face unexpected challenges. On this course, Lucinda can aim to keep Fem within reach."

The day after the women's race, it's the men's turn, where the battle for silver and bronze behind Mathieu van der Poel could well be among several Baloise Trek Lions riders. "I believe our riders have enough experience, and we've had thorough discussions within the team, to know what's possible and what isn't. This year, they've proven they understand each other. That's what being a professional is all about." When did this discussion take place? "Early in the season, around the time of the cyclo-cross race in Waterloo. We didn't know they would perform this well, but we discussed everything. Not just for this World Championship race, but also for the European Championship race. It's great when you can have those discussions before the season starts," says the team director. "I'm especially pleased that they trust each other implicitly, that there's chemistry. We've seen that throughout the season."

Who does he see going the furthest? Braes doesn't have a straightforward answer. "They're very close to each other, although it also varies from race to race. Pim and Joris were just as strong as Thibau last week in Hoogerheide, but the Dutch riders had a slight dip the week before in Benidorm. Lars has been working hard for this weekend and will be ready, but to the public, he might seem a bit off due to the past few weeks. My hope is to see one of our riders on the podium, but it's hard to name who it will be."

In terms of championship experience, Van der Haar stands out. "He's a championship rider. I know he's trained very hard, which might explain why he had a bit of a dip last week. He's been able to prepare in his own way, in his own bubble," says the Belgian team director, who thinks the muddy course might not necessarily disadvantage his riders. "It's better than if it had been very frozen. Although, especially Joris in Val di Sole, they've already proven they can handle a harder surface. We're looking forward to it."