After the withdrawal of Klaas Vantornout, Tom Meeusen will be the second notable absentee in the selection of Belgian national coach Rudy De Bie for the European cyclocross championships. In an interview with Wielerflits, Meeusen explained that it was a personal decision not to travel to France.

Last weekend Meeusen got a fourth place in the Niels Albert Cross in Boom and the World Cup in Valkenburg and so finally returned to his best after a difficult start to the season. Nonetheless, he stands by his decision.

"I've done thirteen races and there are still 34 lefT. That's a lot," said Meeusen. "Add to this the fact that the course in Pontchâteau is certainly not my favorite. Then the choice not to make that long trip is easy. It only makes sense to be at the start of the European Championships if you can ride for victory.”

Meeusen’s next race is the Koppenbergcross on November 1. In 2013, he won the race after a thrilling sprint against Kevin Pauwels and Klaas Vantornout.