Cornu wants to prove his skill on the road

After finishing second in the men's 4000m individual pursuit in Manchester Friday, Dominique Cornu will turn his attention to the road scene in 2010. The 24-year-old Belgian parted from Quick Step at the end of the year and will ride for Dutch team Skil-Shimano next year in a bid to earn more responsibility on the road. Cornu, who won bronze in the pursuit at the Worlds in March, will however return to the track for one more race in 2010 when he competes at the next World championships in Copenhagen.

“The pursuit here was very tough,” Cornu told Cyclingnews after losing to Geraint Thomas in the final. “I did it just to qualify for the Worlds in Copenhagen next year and to give me a bit more experience. Next year it’s about the road, with a small matter of the track Worlds, too.”

Cornu joined Predictor-Lotto in 2007, winning several titles on the track as an U23 rider and finishing his first Grand Tour at the Vuelta in 2008. However, a move to Quick Step in 2009 limited his options. “I signed for Skil-Shimano so that I could get a chance to ride for myself. At Quick Step there were some chances, but there were several very good riders who were better than me. I’m still young and need to grow, so I’m going to grab my chance with Skil while I still can. Maybe in a few years I’ll be leading a big team,” Cornu said.

As for his targets in 2010 Cornu clearly sees his future as an all-rounder, able to compete on the track, in the Classics and major stage races. “Of course the road is my priority for next year. I’m going to try and do the Classics and especially Amstel Gold Race and Liege as I think they’re both suited to me. After that I want to prepare to get into the Tour team with Skil.”

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