Sven Nys has been the dominant figure in cross racing in over a decade. He is getting good competition now from riders like Zdenek Stybar, Niels Albert, Kevin Pauwels - and Lars Boom, at least occasionally. The Dutchman concentrates on the road and last Sunday's race in Overijse was a offroad rare start for the Rabobank rider.
Nys still thinks that Boom is downplaying his level of preparation for the races. "He makes us believe that he only rides for fun," Nys told Sporza. "But in Overijse we learned that you have to take his words with a grain of salt." Boom stormed out of the start like a man possessed, immediately took over the front and rode 20 to 30 meters ahead of everyone else - until he took a bad line in a left turn and was stopped temporarily.
Nys already knew early that the Dutchman would have a strong start. "During the warmup I understood. I was pushing it a little and he reacted like a flash. He certainly wanted to impress me." Boom continued to ride strongly, although the lack of cross races was noticeable in some of the technical sections. Still, it was an untimely flat tire that was the biggest reason Boom dropped back from the podium contention.
Nys is certain that in any race that Boom will start, he will be a tough competitor for the cross regulars. "Boom has so much ego and pride that he won't miss a chance to floor us."
Nys does not mind Boom showing up for the cross races. "People like Boom have the extra something."