Pros and cons for ill Iserbyt and Sven Nys leading up to Belgian National Championships Cyclo-cross: "It's incredibly frustrating when you are his father"

Earlier this week, Eli Iserbyt skipped the Belgian National Championships Cyclo-cross course recon because he was feeling unwell. The defending champion is just there, but it's not an ideal preparation. "It started at the beginning of the Christmas period, but I continued competing. Then, after Dendermonde, my body had enough, and I was in bed for two days. It wasn't ideal, but I already feel better and fresher. Maybe we can still get something positive out of this period of illness," Iserbyt told the Belgian outlet HLN.

Team manager Jurgen Mettepenningen of Pauwels Sauzen-Cibel Clementines was also asked about Iserbyt's situation. "I'm a bit more nervous than usual anyway. It's one of the most important days of the year for us. I won't say everything stands or falls with that title, but it's essential on all levels,' he began. Then he turns to Iserbyt. 'In the meantime, he has recovered, but of course, the question is whether he will be 110%. Because that will be necessary to win. Eli remains a contender. If he gets into the final, he can finish it," Mettepenningen said.

Yesterday, the women rode on a snowy and icy course. Meanwhile, that is no longer the case, an advantage the team manager thinks. 'It's a little tougher now, which should suit the slightly older men like Iserbyt and Vanthourenhout.'

Exactly a quarter century ago, Sven Nys won his first Belgian title. Now that Van Aert is absent, Thibau's chances have also increased. "We're not going to jinx it," Sven Nys told HLN. "It could happen; he's among the favorites, but no more than that. Everything will have to work out; he must have the perfect day. Everything is close together, that makes it very exciting."

"He's feeling relaxed and can handle it well, though. I never could have done that at my age. He has that European jersey that he will have tomorrow anyway, so that gives peace of mind," but dad Nys does have some anxiety himself. "I was able to experience it all myself very intensely and was able to put my hands in the air. Now, from the side, you can do very little. Support and analyze, ... But it's up to him from the start. And it's incredibly frustrating when you are his father."