The Belgian World Championships hopes and pressure rests on the shoulders of Wout van Aert. "But for me, nothing lost is if Sunday does not go as I hope," says the 21-year-old Belgian champion.

Wout van Aert names Mathieu van der Poel as the top favorite."Looking back on the past few weeks, we all might be better not to start," Van Aert tells Sporza. "But that would be a shame for the fans."

"I'm just going out there with positive feeling I have had since the Belgian Championships. At the World Cup races in Lignières and Hoogerheide, the victory was not the goal and so we got a different race. I certainly believe that  I can get my highest level on Sunday and then it will be a different race."

After the race in Hoogerheide, Van Aert seemed to opt for the status of underdog. "I think I can sit here more relaxed than my rivals. They must make their season here and it should be done on that one day. I hope that it works for, but nothing is lost if it does not go well on Sunday."

Sven Nys asked to form a Belgian block but mentioned that he has not always had the same support as Van Aert has.

"I can understand Sven and that he has not always had support, but he has not done manye Worlds races against foreign rivals. That's different. I think the Belgians will understand each other if necessary but I think the great opportunity is that everyone will have to ride his own race. "

What is the tactical plan of Wout van Aert? "I should definitely take control of the race", he says.

"If I feel good, I do not have to ride around with Mathieu. He always does a strong finale and can do spectacular things. If I want to win, I have to take the initiative."