Jasper Stuyven, the current European gravel champion, is looking forward to the World Championship which is due this weekend. The Belgian is one of the favorites on the course around Leuven, practically riding the global battle in his backyard. How does he look ahead to that? And what does he think about Mathieu van der Poel extending his season in the new discipline?
Stuyven says in HLN that he looks forward to the World Championship in his country like a happy child. He also already has a hint of where the race may be decided. "The approach to Leuven is the trickiest. In that zone, the climbing can cause fatigue that you carry to the local lap. Enough technical passages are waiting there where the difference can be made," says the road expert.
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Stuyven sees Van der Poel as favorite: "That class and technical skill..."
The event, which Stuyven calls "a mix of all cycling disciplines," features more and more big names on the start list, year after year. According to the Belgian, Van der Poel is there again now and is the man to watch out for. "The presence of Mathieu is fantastic news for the organizers. But for me? That will become apparent on Sunday. Van der Poel is the clear favorite for the world title. Nobody can match his skill set."
The Belgian continued his praise. "If you saw him in action last Sunday at the Road World Championship in Zurich... He is in top form. Van der Poel also has the class and technical skills to easily pressure everyone and make a difference. Even though I expect resistance from the likes of Mohoric, Florian, and Gianni Vermeersch," Stuyven concluded.
The calendar for the new cyclo-cross season is now online! Check it out here. Or check out our general calendars for the remainder of the season for the men and women's races.
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