After a training camp under the sunny Spanish weather, things are again going in the right direction for cyclo-cross rider Rob Peeters. "I hope to benefit from my problems in the period around New Year," he tells Sporza.

Yesterday the Vastgoedservice team had a double reason to celebrate. Wout Van Aert won the Koppenbergcross and Rob Peeters could look back at a successful comeback after having finished 10th.

"For a month and a half, I only managed to finish two races," Peeters tells Sporza about his disappointing start to the season. "It was worse than ever. My summer went very well and I had approached the cyclo-cross season with high expectations.

"But once I was in the races, I got stressed and I felt blocked. I was virtually paralyzed in the races.

"With the team and my entourage, I decded to take a break. I have recharged the batteries in Spain under the sun. Hopefully that will have an effect in the cross races and I hope to have the stress under control.

"I am not in top form because I miss too much competition rhythm. But I do believe that I will benefit from the problems that are now behind me in the period around New Year."

This year Peeters' former rival Niels Albert is now the leader of his Vastgoedservice team after the former world champion had to end his career due to heart problems.

"When I was told that Niels Albert would be my team leader, it felt weird," Peeters says. He has always beaten me in races in the youth ranks. Very often I was second behind Niels but that was like a victory. Niels was unbeatable.

"And then it's a bit weird when your ex-rival emerged is now giving you advice. But during the first training, I was impressed by his approach. Niels gives us lots of tips and is certainly of value to the team."