De Lie prepares for battle with Van der Poel in the spring: "We have to follow Alpecin"

In conversation with Marca, De Lie reflects on his season. "Good and bad things happened, but I think it was a good season for me. Without a doubt, the victory at the Belgian championship was a highlight. It’s a title that allows you to ride in a beautiful jersey all year long. I can also look back with a smile on my debut in the Tour de France." In the Tour, the Belgian came close to victory several times, but the highest he achieved was third place.

Now, the focus shifts to 2025, where he will have to battle it out with the very best on different terrain. "The goal is to arrive at the Flemish classics in the best possible form. I hope I can ride the first classics in Valencia in a good way. That's where I will debut next year. I hope to arrive in Spain in good shape and look for my peak, which should come in the spring classics."

Spring is the big goal for De Lie. How can he defeat Van der Poel in the Hell of the North? "We have to follow Alpecin," he laughs. "They’ve won two years in a row now and are the best team in Roubaix. The truth is, it’s not that simple to stay behind Van der Poel. Both Monuments are important, but there are classics like Omloop Het Nieuwsblad or Gent-Wevelgem that are also great goals for me."

Another powerhouse De Lie has to contend with is Tadej Pogacar. He faced the Slovenian in the GP Québec, but they are not often competitors. "When Pogacar attacks, it’s clear that it’s very difficult to follow him. I’m lucky that I’m not the same type of rider as he is. Pogacar is the best, and you need an exceptional day to even follow him." Have we already seen the best of the world champion? "I don’t know. He’s at an incredible level, and if he improves, he will keep winning all the races. It will remain a surprise, and we’ll see what the coming year brings."