Florian Vermeersch optimistic about having a teammate in Tadej Pogacar at the classics: "His presence will only be an advantage to me"

Despite a nightmare of a season in 2024 due to heavy injury suffered as early as in February, Florian Vermeersch was shown trust from the best team in the world and thus became Tadej Pogacar's teammate this winter. For next spring, the runner-up from 2021 Paris-Roubaix already plans a great comeback to the beloved cobbled classics.

What are the first impressions from his new team? "It’s great, a new culture and environment. I feel welcome," he told Het Laatste Nieuws on the press day of his new team.

"I think I can still gain something in all areas, to take a step. That can be done by training a little differently and shifting my emphasis a little, but the most important thing is to start the important matches as fit as possible. To then make the right decisions during the matches. That is crucial."

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Can Vermeersch already say something about his competition program? "The Flemish classics are definitely on my program," he says. "I still have to discuss it with the team management, but I would also like to ride a grand tour." Vermeersch is first reserve for the Tour de France for the time being. "If not the Tour, then the Giro or Vuelta would be nice."

In the spring, Vermeersch will team up with none other than Tadej Pogacar in a few races. What does he expect from the interaction with the world champion? "That's great. His presence will only be an advantage for me. We'll go all out for the win with him, but that doesn't mean that I can't get a good result myself, or end up in a good situation."

"Cycling has evolved in recent years. You often see teams with a surplus of men gaining the upper hand. That will continue to be the case in the coming years. I'm looking forward to it, especially with such a top rider."

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