"Philipsen is someone who somewhat approaches Van Aert's profile. But I have already discussed this with Wout and Jasper," explains the coach to Het Nieuwsblad. "I am convinced that we can make correct agreements about this and that this need not be a problem."
For Philipsen, the World Championships will also see him lock horns with his
Alpecin-Deceuninck teammate and leadout supremo,
Mathieu van der Poel. "I think it is clear that I will never get in the way of Mathieu," said the 25-year-old. "Not even when I ride for the Belgian team. I'm never going to be the person to drive behind Mathieu. I will also communicate that to the Belgian team."
