Cyclo-cross world champion Niels Albert has revealed that he is considering changing to road racing after the 2012 world championships.
“If I could choose to win either the Tour of Lombardy or the cyclo-cross world championship, then I would choose Lombardy,” he said.
“I want to win a Classic on the road. I realise that I must give up on cyclo-cross [to do that]. If I win gold in the 2012 world championship in Koksijde, I will be able to decide to change.”
Still just 23 years of age, he has won the European championship three times and took the worlds earlier this year. He’s clearly one of the most dominant riders in the cross scene, but was passed over for Belgian Sportsman of the Year due to the incredible season of Philippe Gilbert.
The latter took seven victories, including a stunning four-win run in the Coppa Sabatini, Paris-Tours, the Tour of Piemonte and the Tour of Lombardy. It’s clear that Albert admires him and respects his achievements.
“We have trained together and he has a beautiful position on the bike,” he said.
Albert will aim to defend his world championship title in Tabor at the end of January.