Meeus experiences the arrival of Red Bull firsthand with more staff and test: "I hope Red Bull gives me a boost"

It was an unprecedented stunt: Jordi Meeus' victory on the Champs-Élysées during the 2023 Tour de France. Suddenly, out of nowhere, the Belgian crowned himself the winner of what is considered the unofficial world sprinting championship. A year later, in 2024, the now 26-year-old sprinter did not get to repeat his achievement. In 2025, however, we may see Meeus cycling across France again for three weeks, another opportunity to prove his victory was not a lucky shot.

The year 2024 brought the Belgian two victories: a stage win in the Tour of Norway and the Ethias-Tour de Wallonie. Although he did not ride a grand tour, he made his presence known in the cobbled classics. Meeus thought that third place in Ghent-Wevelgem and eighth place in Paris-Roubaix, especially in the Hell of the North, had more potential. So 2025 is also set for revenge on the French stones.

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Meeus during Paris-Roubaix 

Paris-Roubaix and the Tour de France as main goals for 2025 

"Paris-Roubaix is one of my main goals; I want to excel there. Last year, I was disappointed with 8th place in Hell because I felt I hadn't got everything out of it. But afterward, I was still satisfied with my performance. Being in that situation so far into the race was new for me. I learned a lot from it," Meeus told Sporza. 

After Roubaix, the sprinter from Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe thus hopes to be at the start of his second big goal of the year: the Tour de France. After a year without a grand tour and especially many top finishes, that should change in 2025. "I'm looking forward to returning to the Tour. It would be fun to sprint there again against my training buddy Jasper Philipsen," Meeus already dreams of the sprint clashes.

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Meeus experiences firsthand how things work at Red Bull

In the meantime, he has to concentrate on training, not getting injured, and preparing well. Something that has become easier for the German team since the arrival of Red Bull. The riders lack nothing these days. "I noticed a lot more staff present at the winter training camp in Mallorca. Last year, there were 1 or 2 chefs there. Now, there were 4, although they alternated. The number of tests was also increased. During our team building in Salzburg at the end of October, we underwent three different eye, lung, and heart tests."

In addition, the team is said to be adjusting equipment and kit, which Meeus is anxious about because he thinks he can still improve in nutrition and aerodynamics. "I hope Red Bull gives me a boost," said the Belgian, who can still be seen in the team's clothing until 2026.

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