Ben Hermans in search for next season contract takes on China and Japan: "I want to show people that I am not worn out yet"

Ben Hermans wants to do everything he can to get into the spotlight in his last races of the season. The 37-year-old Belgian will leave Israel - Premier Tech at the end of the year after a second season in a row with few racing days. But there is a good reason for that, Hermans explains to WielerFlits.

"I had a serious fall during the Tour de Wallonie, resulting in a hip and elbow fracture. Fortunately, I recovered fairly quickly, but strangely enough I didn't have a single race on my schedule until I was allowed to start at the Circuit Franco-Belge last week. I was ready to race before, but it didn't fit in with the team's vision."

Fortunately, after a long struggle, those troubles are behind us. At the beginning of May, in Eschborn-Frankfurt. "Then you hope to take that step towards the podium in the Tour de Wallonie, but then I fell. Physically, I think the corona issues are over. I certainly feel 100 percent during training. But I haven't been able to show that in the race yet, because you are thrown into it against guys who are well-rounded. Then it is difficult to prove yourself."

The Tour de Hainan, where Hermans already claimed a good third place in the most difficult stage, and the Japan Cup, will therefore be important conclusions to his season. "I would have preferred to ride the Italian races, but I can also make the best of it in China and Japan. I want to show people that I am not worn out yet. The long periods that I have been out have given me breathing space and renewed motivation. You are mentally fresher and you know what you are doing it for."