Lampaert opts for traditional approach after disappointing 2024 spring: "I want to show myself again"

Yves Lampaert has changed his strategy for the 2025 spring season. After a disappointing 2024 spring, in which he failed to perform, the 33-year-old Belgian decided to rethink his tactics. Instead of embarking on altitude training, as he did last year, he now opts for a more traditional approach, participating in several stage races.

At the beginning of his new season, Lampaert focuses on the Star of Bessèges, the Figueira Classic, and the Tour of the Algarve. "We are not going to repeat the altitude training. I did feel good after the stage, but the results were disappointing. We will return to the classic approach," he told Het Nieuwsblad.

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Lampaert in the new kit of Soudal Quick-Step

Lampaert sees opportunities in less famous races 

2024 was a colorless spring for Lampaert, which certainly had its impact. "I don't have an explanation for it. I had trained hard and done everything for it, but I couldn't keep up. I miss the euphoria. When things go hard, you step back into the team bus feeling quite down. You don't race to be disappointed but to be euphoric. But we didn't experience that very often last year."

And that should change again soon, although a victory is not expected. After all, with Wout van Aert, Mathieu van der Poel, and Tadej Pogacar at the start, a place of honor seems the highest achievable. In addition, Lampaert is looking at races that are just a little less famous. "I'm training hard, hoping to ride finals again. Not in a Tour of Flanders, but in a Gent-Wevelgem or a Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne. There, I want to show myself again."

Furthermore, the experienced Belgian spots other men rising now that leaders Julian Alaphilippe and Kasper Asgreeen have left. He explicitly mentions Paul Magnier and Dries van Gestel. "They can also ride finals." In addition to a full Flemish cobbled program - and Paris-Roubaix - Lampaert is scheduled to start in Paris-Nice. The Tour de France is also an option.

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