Lars van der Haar had an unusual buildup to the cyclocross world championships

Lars van der Haar gets a course in Hulst that suits him perfectly, but the experienced Dutchman doesn't expect miracles at his very last Cyclocross World Championship. The 34-year-old rider has other things on his mind: his wife is heavily pregnant.

It’s actually a small miracle that Van der Haar can even start at the World Championships, as his wife is about to give birth. "Although the chance that it will happen today is small. It didn’t happen last night, and during the day the chance is always a bit lower. But it’s still nerve-wracking to be here and not at home. However, I don’t want to miss this," he told WielerFlits.

Van der Haar therefore had an unusual Worlds preparation. "I think I’ve been more focused on my home situation than on the World Championships, also because I realistically have no chance to make the podium or win here. But, I will give it my all and I’m looking forward to it. Maybe I’m the most relaxed rider at the start."

The departing Van der Haar was not in Benidorm last month and had to prepare for the world title battle at home—in somewhat less favorable weather conditions. How did his preparation go? "Fortunately, it was dry, so I was able to complete my training sessions well."

"Maybe I could train an hour less here and there compared to riders in the sun, but I managed to do everything. It’s a nice course; I hope for something fun. As a top athlete, I’m still primarily focused on the result. A good finish? Considering the last races weren’t really top, I’m hoping for a solid top-10."