No European Time Trial Championships for Remco Evenepoel, Belgium heads to European Road Cycling Championships with four (!) sprinters

The Olympic time trial champion, Remco Evenepoel, will not be at the start of the European Time Trial Championships next Wednesday, as announced by the Belgian cycling federation on Tuesday. The selection for the road race was also revealed, with the Belgian team relying on no fewer than four fast riders.

National coach Sven Vanthourenhout explained this decision in an interview with Het Nieuwsblad. "The impact of the summer is significant. Remco fears he won't be ready in time. He has a certain status, and much is expected of him. He expects a lot from himself. If you can't live up to that, it's better to stay away." In the same report, the Belgian cycling federation confirmed who they will count on for the European Time Trial Championships in Limburg. That honor goes to Victor Campenaerts, who will ride for Visma next year (currently with Lotto Dstny) and time trial specialist Yves Lampaert (Soudal Quick-Step).

Four sprinters for European Road Cycling Championships

For the road race, Belgium's hopes rest on eight powerful riders, including four sprinters: Tim Declercq (Lidl-Trek), Jordi Meeus (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe), Tim Merlier, Bert van Lerberghe (both Soudal Quick-Step), Jasper Philipsen, Jonas Rickaert (both Alpecin-Deceuninck), Laurenz Rex (Intermarché-Wanty) and Wout van Aert (Visma | Lease a Bike). The national coach also provided explanations for this selection. "A group of eight riders with strength, who don't shy away from some serious racing," says Vanthourenhout. "They are used to riding classics and taking control. It's up to me to organize the riders into roles and see if they are ready to adhere to a specific race strategy. Only one can win, through the right agreements."

The coach has selected both Philipsen and Merlier, a decision that Vanthourenhout admits he struggled with. "I am not afraid to say it: it is not my vision to have two top sprinters on one team. But if you leave one of them out, you must have a solid reason for it. I couldn't provide one for either Jasper or Tim. They have had a particularly good season. I'm honest about that."

Belgian selection for European Road Cycling Championships 2024

Tim Declerq

Belgian selection European Time Trial Championships 2024

Victor Campenaerts