Belgian Coach Shifts Focus Away from Pogacar and Van der Poel at World Championships: “Making a Plan Against One or Certain Riders is Very Dangerous”
As the 2024 UCI Road World Championships draw near, many eyes are set on cycling superstars like Tadej Pogačar and Mathieu van der Poel, who are expected to be top contenders for the coveted rainbow jersey. However, Belgian national coach Sven Vanthourenhout has taken a different approach ahead of the championships, cautioning his team against focusing too much on specific riders, no matter how formidable they may be.
A Tactical Warning
In a press conference, Vanthourenhout shared his thoughts on race strategy, emphasizing the need for a broader perspective in what is often an unpredictable and chaotic race. When asked about how the team planned to handle the threats posed by Pogačar and van der Poel—two riders known for their aggressive racing and ability to dominate big one-day races—Vanthourenhout made it clear that pinning their entire strategy on neutralizing specific individuals could backfire.
“Making a plan against one or certain riders is very dangerous,” Vanthourenhout said. “The World Championships are not like any other race. It’s unpredictable, and too many things can happen. Focusing solely on riders like Pogačar or van der Poel risks taking away attention from other dangerous contenders. Anyone can be a threat in this type of race.”
A Field Full of Contenders
The coach’s caution is well-founded. While Pogačar, a two-time Tour de France winner, and van der Poel, a cycling prodigy who has shined across multiple disciplines, are undoubtedly among the favorites, the World Championships attract the best riders from across the globe. With a strong Belgian contingent, including Wout van Aert and Remco Evenepoel, there are plenty of other threats to consider.
“Wout and Remco are just as capable of winning,” Vanthourenhout continued. “But it’s not just about the big names. You have to consider riders who might not be favorites but are capable of creating opportunities. We’ve seen before how unexpected moves or breakaways can decide the race. To fixate on just two or three riders would be a mistake.”
The Challenge of the World Championships
The UCI World Championships are often a battleground of surprises. Unlike stage races or even one-day classics, where team leaders have well-established roles and strategies, the World Championships tend to see alliances shift, new contenders emerge, and unexpected tactics play out. The course itself, which is often designed to test all aspects of a rider’s skill set, lends itself to unpredictability.
Vanthourenhout knows that the race’s outcome can be determined by much more than raw power or tactical superiority. Weather, road conditions, and even team dynamics can all come into play, making it nearly impossible to bank on any single rider or plan.
“Even the best-laid plans can fall apart if the race doesn’t go the way you expect,” he added. “You have to be ready to adapt in real-time, which is why we’ll go in with a flexible strategy and try to react to what happens on the road, not just what we anticipate beforehand.”
A Balanced Belgian Squad
Vanthourenhout’s approach highlights the depth of talent in the Belgian team. Riders like Wout van Aert, one of the most versatile competitors in the peloton, and defending world champion Remco Evenepoel are equally capable of taking control of the race. Both are proven winners with the ability to capitalize on various race scenarios—whether through a well-timed attack or an intelligent breakaway.
“With a team like ours, we don’t need to worry about specific opponents,” Vanthourenhout noted. “We have riders who can win from different positions and in different situations. Wout and Remco have shown that they can win solo or in a sprint. Our strength is in our versatility, and we plan to use that to our advantage.”
Avoiding Distraction
The Belgian coach’s comments also suggest a desire to avoid the mental distraction of focusing on rivals. By stressing the importance of flexibility, Vanthourenhout is preparing his riders to remain focused on their own performance and how to best navigate the unpredictable nature of the race.
“In the end, it’s about making the right moves at the right moments,” Vanthourenhout concluded. “Pogačar and van der Poel are incredible riders, but they aren’t the only ones capable of winning. Our focus will be on racing smart, taking our chances when they come, and working as a team.”
A Wide-Open Championship
With Vanthourenhout’s emphasis on adaptability and the depth of talent within the Belgian squad, the 2024 World Championships promise to be a thrilling and unpredictable affair. While Pogačar and van der Poel will undoubtedly attract attention, the race is far from a two-man contest. As Vanthourenhout wisely cautioned, it is dangerous to underestimate the field—or the race’s inherent unpredictability.
Belgium, with its dynamic and well-rounded team, will be one of the most watched nations, and under Vanthourenhout’s strategic guidance, they’re ready to approach the race with the versatility and confidence needed to capture the rainbow jersey.
