Nick Nuyens is targeting the Ronde van Vlaanderen in 2010. The Belgian had hoped his first year at Rabobank would be better, but his major win was the GP van Wallonië.
His 2009 season's summary is mixed. "Last season I was always there, but I never could make the difference," Nuyens said in an interview to Het Laatste Nieuws. "Why? In the early period I became sick, in the Ruta del Sol and in the week before the Omloop [Het Nieuwsblad, the traditional Classics opener in Belgium -ed] I was in bed with a fever of 39C. Then it is difficult to present yourself."
He wants to get back to better days and hopes for a win in the Tour of Flanders. "I had a good feeling going into the winter. From the Omloop I have to be present, the Ronde van Vlaanderen is the main goal. I am still convinced that I can win it." Nuyens finished second in 2008.
He switched from Cofidis to Rabobank in 2009. "The first year is always a bit getting sued to the team. Now we know each other pretty well." Nuyens doesn't hope the race will determine his future with (or without) the team, depending on his result.
But it looks as if team manager Erik Dekker trusts Nuyens. "He is the captain in our [Classics] team. We know him better now, and also his limits."