Boom giving all for second title

Lars Boom aims to repeat his cyclo-cross world championship title this February on home soil in Hoogerheide, Netherlands. The Dutchman denied critics' opinions that he is not giving full power in every race on the calendar.

"I was going full speed, but it was not enough for today. The Belgian press is saying a lot and I don't read it," Boom said to Cyclingnews at the Superprestige round Sunday night in Diegem, Belgium.

The leaders immediately distanced Boom in the evening race held under spotlights near Brussels' airport. He pushed on to finish 14th in a race that included 49 participants.

"I was not that good today, and I was a little scared. You can lose your season over here when you go maximum speed and risk it through the corners, so I eased up. I am looking forward to Loenhout and to Baal and all the next races, and World Cups, they are better for me."

Boom took his first title in the elite cyclo-cross ranks last January 27 in Treviso, Italy. The win added to World Championship titles in the junior and under 23 ranks and one on the road in the under 23 time trial. He intends to take his second elite 'cross title in Hoogerheide.

"It is the main goal and I am not going to take some risks."