Remco Evenepoel will head an eight-rider team representing Belgium at the UCI Road World Championships, starting on 21st September in Zurich. Maxim Van Gils might also share leadership duties during the elite men’s 273.9km road race on 29th September, the final day of competition. National Team Coach Sven Vanthourenhout has confirmed that “the entire team will ride in support of Remco.”
Notable Absence
Wout van Aert, a significant figure for Belgium, will not be competing. He suffered a severe crash during stage 16 of the Vuelta a España, leading him to abandon the race. His Visma-Lease a Bike team announced he would miss the rest of the season. Evenepoel described Van Aert’s injury as “a big loss” ahead of the Worlds.
Photo Credit: GettyEvenepoel’s Season So Far
Evenepoel will also compete in the individual time trial on 22nd September alongside Campenaerts. He comes into this event after a strong season, having finished third overall at the Tour de France and clinching double Olympic champion titles in the road race and time trial in Paris.
Evenepoel is a favourite to defend his world title in the time trial, an event he won in Glasgow last year. He is also among the favourites for the road race title, having previously won in Wollongong in 2022.
Preparation and Expectations
Vanthourenhout mentioned that Evenepoel would skip the UEC Road European Championships, held from 11th to 15th September, to prepare for the Worlds. “We really enjoyed his performances during the Tour and the Games,” he said, adding that it was unfortunate for the public that Evenepoel would miss the European Championships, but beneficial for the World Championships.
Vanthourenhout also noted Evenepoel’s motivation ahead of his leadership role but urged the cycling community not to be too hard on him if he doesn’t clinch a world title in Zurich. “Remco will do everything he can to realise his ambitions. But let’s be lenient if he doesn’t succeed. He always throws himself 100 per cent, so let’s support him,” he stated.
Considering the demanding and successful season Evenepoel has had, Vanthourenhout remains cautiously optimistic. “I expect a very good Remco, but we shouldn’t start taking it for granted.”
Photo Credit: GettyElite Men’s Road Race Team for Belgium
- Remco Evenepoel
- Victor Campenaerts
- Tim Wellens
- Jasper Stuyven
- Tiesj Benoot
- Quinten Hermans
- Maxim Van Gils
- Laurens De Plus
Elite Men’s Individual Time Trial for Belgium
- Remco Evenepoel
- Victor Campenaerts
