After Remco Evenepoel’s injury, the cycling association had to look for a second time trialist for the European Championship, which will take place on August 24, alongside Victor Campenaerts. Wout van Aert does not go to Tignes for the second altitude stage of his team and is therefore not yet occupied. He now also rides the time trial at the BK on Thursday. Rik Verbrugghe still hoped to convince Van Aert, but came across an njet at Jumbo-Visma. And so Evenepoel’s place is taken by Jasper De Plus (Circus – Wanty Gobert)
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Jumbo-Visma was already opposed to a European Championship participation by Van Aert because they have to make way for the Tour. In recent days, national coach Rik Verbrugghe still started to lobby, but he again comes across an njet. “Wout does not like this himself. The Tour has priority and also after the Tour a nice and important program awaits him ”, said Jumbo-Visma.
Verbrugghe had to look for a second time trialist and ended up with Jasper De Plus, a circus-Wanty Gobert rider and younger brother of Laurens. The first-year pro was second at the Belgian time trial for U23 last season.
Ilan Van Wilder and Florian Vermeersch were also mentioned, but they ride the time trial for promises, hoping to embellish their record.
Photo: Gregory Van Gansen
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