Van Aert Confirmed for Declercq‘s hooglede-Gits Farewell Criterium
Hooglede-Gits,belgium - Wout van Aert will compete this weekend at a special farewell criterium honoring retiring cyclist Tim Declercq,organizers confirmed today. The event, taking place Saturday, November 1st, starting at 1 p.m.in Hooglede’s Markt square, has drawn a remarkable field of professional cyclists eager to celebrate Declercq’s career.
Declercq’s influence extends beyond his professional achievements, having successfully attracted a stellar lineup of riders to his hometown for this celebratory event. Alongside Van Aert, fellow Visma | Lease a Bike rider tiesj Benoot will participate, as will Oliver Naesen of Decathlon AG2R.The criterium will also feature a reunion of Declercq’s former teammates including Tim Merlier, Maury Vansevenant, Jordi warlop, Louis Vervaeke, Yves Lampaert, Bert Van Lerberghe, and Pieter Serry, all now riding for Lidl-Trek. Tim Torn Teutenberg and Daan Hoole, also of Lidl-Trek, are confirmed attendees, as is former professional Philippe Gilbert, a past Belgian champion crowned in Gits.
The race itself will consist of 35 laps of a 1.6 km course through the streets of Hooglede,structured as an elimination race with intermediate sprints for Tim’s family/friends,promising young riders,and ultimately,the professionals. Following the race, winners of the children’s race, sprint stages, and the criterium will be honored. The day will culminate in a ceremony recognizing Declercq as an honorary citizen and ambassador of Hooglede.
