The decision has been made: the Swiss tandem Martigny-Aigle will organize the World Cycling Championships on the road from 20 to 27 September. And that is good news for Remco Evenepoel, who finds a tailor-made course and who sees many competitors drop out for the World Time Trial World Cup. After all, they will ride the final stage of the Tour de France on Sunday 20 September.
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National coach Rik Verbrugghe is especially pleased that a decision has been made. “A country like Belgium can now put forward a candidate winner on any type of course,” says Verbrugghe. “But I’m glad it stayed Martigny. The climbers may also have something, eh. ”
But the World Cup is barely a week after the end of the Tour. “No problem,” says Verbrugghe. “As the Vuelta used to be good at the World Cup, the Tour will now serve as an ideal preparation. With the difference that no one will leave the Tour to be fresh. ”
With Remco Evenepoel, Verbrugghe has a leader who does not ride the Tour. Moreover, on Sunday 20 September, when the Tour peloton enters Paris, the Brabander can compete for the world title time trial. “It is a pity that the final stage of the Tour coincides with the World Championships time trial,” says Verbrugghe. “Many of my potential World Cup candidates will start in the Tour and not with the intention to retire early. So I will have to adjust my selection. Or increase Remco’s chances now? He has a good chance anyway, but I expect Rohan Dennis will do everything he can to defend his title, even if he rides the Tour. ”
Mixed Relay
Since the BK is also organized on the road during the World Cup, there is a problem for the Mixed Relay, one day after the title fight in Anzegem. “The plan was to put together a top team,” said Verbrugghe. “That had given us a great chance for a medal. But I assume that both men and women will prefer the national title fight. ”
The selections will not be announced immediately. “I would like to inform the time riders a little earlier. The road selection is expected to be announced on September 10. That is during the Tour, but we have a hard time waiting and we have to meet certain deadlines. ”
Riders also satisfied
Remco Evenepoel announced via team spokesman Ward Callens that he is “happy that Martigny will continue effectively”. On the other hand, he does not want to anticipate the facts too much, because in the end it is still far away. Whether he will ride the BK will be decided during the team internship in San Pellegrino, where the race plans are refined.
And habitué Greg Van Avermaet? “I would like to be there, even if it is not my type of course,” it sounds. “It would not only be my fourteenth consecutive World Cup, I also think I can give the team experience. I would like to be a lieutenant who goes out of her way for the others. ”
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