Danny Van Poppel believes Jordi Meeus can win a Tour de France stage: "I just want to win and I strongly believe that Jordi can do it"

Danny van Poppel's usual sprint leader Sam Bennett won't be present at Tour de France 2023 as their employer BORA-hansgrohe left the Irishman home in favor of less known Belgian sprinter Jordi Meeus. However this poses no change in plans for Van Poppel as he explains in an interview for In de Leiderstrui.

When asked about the shift in plans, the Dutchman hesitates a bit with his answer. "There was a longlist, so you never really know. But I think it's all fine. That's how I stand: I just want to win and I strongly believe that Jordi can do the same."

This also poses a royal opportunity for Meeus to prove his worth thinks Van Poppel. "He's never really had a lead-out before, and now he's getting me. I think a lot of sprinters would like to get this chance and he is right now at his first Tour, with a very good sprint train. I think he's really motivated because of that."

Jordi Meeus collected nine podium finishes at .1 and .Pro races this year alreay, including a victory at Circuit de Wallonie. His best World Tour result would then be 6th place from stage 1 of Tour de Suisse.