Campenaerts shares brilliant anecdote about De Lie: "He, of course, chose that room with naked women on the wall"

In 2024, Victor Campenaerts once again dons the colors of Lotto-Dstny, the Belgian ProTour team led by Stéphane Heulot. During the team day held in Mechelen, Vocsnor dedicated ample time to the incoming cycling news team, yielding a plethora of delightful anecdotes as tradition dictates!

First and foremost, Campenaerts recently followed the trend set by riders like Mathieu van der Poel and invested in a home in Southern Europe. "Indeed, I made the decision, in consultation with my girlfriend, who is a pharmacist, to move to Spain as well," shared the composed Fleming with IDLProCycling.com and others. "Especially for her, it would mean a significant life change, but fortunately, she was open to it. You can start a pharmacy anywhere and at any time, but a cycling career is not as flexible. In terms of timing, you can't postpone something for three years."

De Lie chose "room with naked women on the wall" at Campenaerts' Spanish residence

The conversation then shifts to Campenaerts' Spanish escapade, an experience he certainly doesn't consider a punishment. "It's very pleasant there. We live east of Malaga, basically in the middle of nowhere. It's somewhat kitschy, but we both love that. I don't think you can find five square inches of ordinary wall space in the entire house.

"It's filled with all sorts of paintings," he elaborates on the unique characteristics of his residence. There's a room exclusively dedicated to horse paintings, another adorned with cat-themed artwork, and one with nothing but paintings of naked women on the wall. "I'm not allowed to sleep in that one! It's the guest room. Arnaud De Lie, for instance, has already slept there. He had the choice of two rooms, but he went for that one!"

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Speaking of De Lie, the 21-year-old prodigious talent is particularly anticipated this season, and that's hardly surprising given the accolades earned by the 'Bull of Lescheret.' How does Campenaerts, often regarded as a mentor, perceive this lofty expectation? "I believe Arnaud is capable of a lot. His performance in the Omloop last year speaks volumes. In all races excluding Milan-Sanremo, the Tour of Flanders, and Paris-Roubaix, I would genuinely consider him among the top favorites. He's also a contender in those marquee races. When he's in top form, there are few who can match him downhill. It would take someone like Tadej Pogacar, Mathieu van der Poel, or Wout van Aert. If you reach the finish with Arnaud, winning is no easy feat."

Campenaerts would like to see De Lie sprint against Van der Poel one day

Campenaerts envisions De Lie sprinting against Van der Poel one day, expressing anticipation for the spectacle it would create. Reflecting on 2023, Campenaerts notes the growing confidence in De Lie. "Last year, we didn't have 100 percent confidence in Arnaud, although it was substantial, especially in classics. It made sense then, considering his youth. Now it's different. If one of us attacks, we won't be chasing anymore. Arnaud is our trump card, and that's a shift from last year. No team dares to dismiss Arnaud De Lie's chances in races like Omloop Het Nieuwsblad or any classic. I hope for a scenario where he sprints against Van der Poel, creating a spectacular finish. I look forward to such a moment, especially since I'll probably be on the team bus by then! There's more pressure on Arnaud, but diamonds form under pressure!

As for the elder statesman Campenaerts, does he harbor personal ambitions? "Certainly, although they'll come to the forefront more in stage races. Perhaps I can carve my own path in races like Paris-Nice or the Tour de France, possibly from a breakaway. That's where my chances lie. The way we race in the classics might also present opportunities for me. However, Arnaud remains the primary focus. We need to be realistic about that. For me to win, everything has to align perfectly."