"An annual occurrence that the Dutch team runs itself ragged” – Belgian coach questions Laurens ten Dam’s World Championship selection

Laurens ten Dam has unveiled his roster for the Dutch women’s team ahead of next month’s World Championships in Rwanda, a squad brimming with talent and depth. Yet Belgian national coach Ludwig Willems has voiced doubts about the neighbour’s selection, despite its undeniable star power. Belgium arrives with two-time defending champion Lotte Kopecky, but the Rwandan course is expected to challenge everyone, particularly with its climbing-heavy profile. While the men’s race features a punishing early loop suited to pure climbers, where Tadej Pogacar will be the undisputed favourite to defend his title, the women’s race will cover 11 local circuits of 15 kilometers, each with short, steep climbs. The total of 164 kilometers and 3,350 meters of elevation gain means there will be multiple chances for different types of riders to shine.

"Was it impressive to see the seven-person team show up? Absolutely! Marianne Vos, Puck Pieterse, Demi Vollering, and Anna van der Breggen are all potential winners," Willems told Wielerflits. "Half of that team could become world champions in the right scenario." He quickly tempered that praise with a reminder of past challenges. "But that's nothing new, of course. They're in that privileged position every year, but we also know from the past that it's not easy to get the riders on the same page."

History offers plenty of cautionary examples. Last year, Kopecky defended her title in Zurich with a sprint victory ahead of Chloe Dygert, Elisa Longo Borghini, Liane Lippert, and Demi Vollering, all finishing in the same time. But as Willems notes, the Dutch have often undone themselves in previous editions.

"It's an annual occurrence that the Dutch team often runs itself ragged. They have a tendency to race against each other sometimes. If the national coach can get them to work well together, it's difficult to disrupt that team. But in recent years, things have gone horribly wrong more often. Partly because Lotte was so strong, she was able to capitalize on that then."

The arrival of Laurens ten Dam as coach brings a fresh perspective, but whether it sparks a change in team mentality remains uncertain. "That change can certainly bring about a fresh start or a new impetus," Willems said. "On the other hand, I have no doubts whatsoever about Loes's qualities. She has proven herself to be a good national coach. I am certain she has always made sound agreements. But whether everyone follows those agreements during the race is always the key question."

The women’s field will be missing some notable names. Tour winner Pauline Ferrand-Prévot has already withdrawn, and Willems suspects she won’t be the last. "And I expect more to follow. That will definitely create a different dynamic in the race. It's not just a World Championship like in Europe, something you can just throw in there."

He also acknowledged that some Belgian riders are shifting their focus. "I'm also noticing this with some riders in the Belgian squad, who prefer to focus on the European Championships in the Ardèche, which will follow shortly after. But our Belgian squad will, of course, still be strong."