Once the Tour de France comes to a conclusion, all focus will be turned to the World Championships in Glasgow. The Belgian team have something of an embarrassment of riches but sometimes that can cause problems of its own.
The likes of Wout van Aert and Jasper Philipsen will both enter the race as arguably two of the biggest favourites to claim the rainbow jersey. Despite the possible conflict of interests, Belgian national coach, Sven Vanthourenhout is confident of the team being able to co-exist and work for the greater goal of ensuring the world title returns to Belgium.
"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."
🤩 Make a bid on a unique #MerciPoupou item, worn and signed by one of our 8 @LeTour riders! 👉 Signed skinsuits worn during stage 9 of #TDF2023 👉 #MerciPoupou jersey signed and worn at our coffee ride during rest day 1 🔗 matchwornshirt.com/event/09-07-20… 🔗
