After all the work for Mathieu van der Poel, Gianni Vermeersch explains a special request to Alpecin-Deceuninck

Gianni Vermeersch has already become world clay champion and has now added a Belgian title in Turnhout. There is therefore an observation to be made that cannot be denied. “This is clearly a discipline that suits me very well,” explains Vermeersch, who also has a cyclo-cross background Sporza.

After all the work he had done for Mathieu van der Poel – including by riding a very strong Paris-Roubaix himself – Vermeersch was also allowed to start with confidence. “I knew that the condition was perfect after a very good spring. I also specifically asked the team to go to the Belgian Clay Court Championships.”

VERMEERSCH TOP FAVORITE ON BK GRAVEL

It is striking that this participation came at the express request of the rider himself. And fortunately Alpecin-Deceuninck has gone along with that story. “I’m all the more happy to be able to complete it.” It’s not that simple, because because of his world title, Vermeersch was already viewed as the big favorite beforehand.

Jasper Stuyven’s successor is aware of this. “It may seem easy on paper, but the others also knew my form was good.”