“I couldn’t believe my eyes” – Jarno Widar reacts to European championship U23 victory

Jarno Widar turned disappointment into victory on Saturday, claiming the Under-23 European Championship road race just a week after a difficult day at the Worlds only a week ago. On a brutal 136-kilometre course through Drôme-Ardèche, the Belgian attacked on the final climb and soloed to the line in Guilherand-Granges, sealing a performance that combined individual brilliance with collective strength.

“As a team, we tried to make the race as tough as possible for the others. And I think we succeeded,” Widar said afterwards on the Lotto website. “I'm very happy that I was finally able to finish off all the team's hard work.”

The race featured multiple ascents of the Côte de Saint-Romain-de-Lerps (7 km at 7%) and the short but punishing Val d’Enfer (1.6 km at 9.8%). From a starting field of over 130 riders, the attritional profile quickly whittled down the peloton. Belgium arrived with a clear plan to ride offensively, yet with enough flexibility to adapt as the race unfolded. Jasper Schoofs featured in a chasing move that forced rivals to burn matches, while Matisse Van Kerckhove and Matteo Vanhuffel were kept in reserve, ready to respond if the script changed.

National coach Serge Pauwels had stressed that adaptability was key, and Widar delivered at the decisive moment. On the last ascent, he surged clear at the base, leaving his rivals behind. Over the top he maintained the gap, then descended cleanly on the technical run-in, committing to every corner until the line.

“I couldn't believe my eyes when I crossed the finish line alone,” Widar said about his superb performance. “This victory feels like so much more than just a consolation prize. I beat the best riders in the U23 category, because the world champion was also there,” he added, in reference to the rainbow jersey of Lorenzo Finn.