"For me that is Johannes Staune-Mittet" - William Junior Lecerf eyes Tour de l'Avenir success but believes there is one man to beat

William Lecerf Junior has ridden a consistent and strong set of results this year and he enters the Tour de l'Avenir as one of the big favourites for overall success. However, the Soudal - Quick-Step Development Team rider believes Jumbo-Visma's Johannes Staune-Mittet will be the man to beat.

"In principle, there is no stronger selection than ours (Belgian, ed.). I definitely hope to ride top 10. I'm glad I can go my own way this year. This is one of my big goals for the season. Who knows, there is also more in it than the top 10," he told Wielerflits ahead of the biggest race of the year for under-23 riders. The team includes big figures including Alec Segaert and Vlad van Mechelen, each with their own ambitions in the race however outside of the overall classification where the 20-year old hopes to thrive.

"I have been designated as the man for the final classification, so I also want to live up to it. What works in my favor is that there is a team time trial on the menu on day three. Last year we finished second in that team time trial and now we have at least an equally good team. With guys like Alec Segaert, Vlad Van Mechelen and Jonathan Vervenne we can really make a difference there," he argues.

The race will however be decided in the mountains. The final four stages each feature very difficult terrain where the climbers can make a difference, including a mountain time-trial, the Col de la Loze and the Col de l'Iseran. “I think we are going to form a really close-knit group. Four of the six also come from the Soudal Quick-Step camp, so we already know each other very well and feel each other. For me that is Johannes Staune-Mittet. He has had some problems with his health after the Czech Tour, but I expect him to be good," he concluded.