Cyclo-cross rider Rob Peeters has spoken openheartedly about his career in an interview with Sporza. "When I feel good, I ride well. When my mind is wrong, there is none of that. That’s the Rob we saw in recent weeks," he said from a Vastgoedservice training camp.

In late October, Rob Peeters was second in the Superprestige race in Zonhoven. He was very emotional as the anniversary of the death of his father approached. But then things went badly, apparently due to stress.

"I had done good races and then Zonhoven was then suddenly beyond expectation. Everyone around me said I was back and I felt obliged to show the same again. The stress had me in its hands and that paralyzed me.

"I was not aware that it was like that. There is nothing to be seen on the computer. Physically and conditionally I am fine. Even in training I have a good feeling, but in the races it is different.

"As a person, I did not feel good. At home I was not happy because the stress took over. It seemed as if I weighed 20 kilos more. We have ticked off many possible causes and it became clear that it was wrong in my head.”

Rob Peeters sought help from psychologist Jef Brouwers. "You start to think, and I could use my relationship with Jef. He told me it was pretty obvious to him. If there is nothing physically wrong, he was 99% sure it's between my ears.

"When he made the whole situation clear for me, I already felt the pressure getting easier because I knew what was going on.

"I'm an emotional rider. If I feel good, I'm riding well. When I am wrong, there is none of that. And that is the Rob that we have seen in recent weeks."

Peeters is still full of smile at the races. "But at home it is different. Comedians can be depressed at home. I'm not a fake character with two faces, but perhaps a comedian with two faces.

Peeters also finds support in a book. "I am now reading "The inner book of tennis." It is about how your brain interacts. It seemed like it was written about me and I work on the left half of my brain. Without trust, it disturbs the right part which controls movement.

"With good performances, I will again have a bigger shield to protect myself. Then I’m armed against journalists and all that. But now my shield is no larger than a tea plate.”

How does Rob Peeters see the next races? "I certainly cannot prepare for them. I have to start with an empty head, with ambition but I cannot think of a particular result.

"After a good workout, I also hope that the coach does not say that it will go very well this weekend. With these legs, it is very difficult to remain calm.

"My fans should definitely encourage me during the race, but before the start I prefer that they leave me alone. I have to concentrate on the race and in the first weeks I will do that best alone.

"I would prefer if the fans talk about themselves or make their best joke so I can have a good laugh and relax."