"I didn't hesitate for a second" - Campenaerts returns to action world championships mixed relay

This Wednesday at the World Cycling Championships in Kigali, the mixed relay will take center stage. The format, often viewed with a hint of skepticism compared to the sport’s more established disciplines, has nonetheless drawn committed riders who believe in its potential. Among them are Belgium’s Victor Campenaerts and Julie Van de Velde, both eager to take on the challenge and to highlight the teamwork required in such a demanding event.

The race covers 41.8 kilometers, split between three men and three women. First, the male riders line up, before handing the effort over to the female trio. Every changeover must be timed with absolute precision, and the profile of the course, rolling terrain and the inevitable cobbled climbs, adds layers of complexity. More than a simple race against the clock, it is an exercise in coordination and strategy.

For Belgium, the men’s contingent is led by Victor Campenaerts, joined by Florian Vermeersch and Jonathan Vervenne. On the women’s side, Marieke Meert, Tess Moerman, and Julie Van de Velde will carry the flag. It is not a lineup considered among the outright favorites, with countries like Australia and Italy expected to set the pace, but the Belgian riders are clear that the value of this race goes beyond medals alone.

Campenaerts has long defended the mixed relay, speaking openly about his belief that it belongs on the world stage. “When the coach called me, I didn't hesitate for a second. I told him I was willing to participate,” he said. Despite acknowledging the toughness of the Kigali circuit, the Belgian remains confident: “We know it will be difficult, but we'll give our best.”

While he is regarded as the strongest individual time trialist in the Belgian men’s team, Campenaerts is quick to share responsibility. The course finishes with a steep, cobbled ascent, a feature he believes may better suit Vermeersch. “The key will be to carry out the relays efficiently, which is fundamental in this race,” he explained. That efficiency is made harder by the fact the team has not been able to train together. “We haven't been able to do a real preparation, but we'll try to perform at our best,” Campenaerts admitted.

Though Belgium is not widely tipped for a podium, he sees the bigger picture. “It's an interesting discipline. I think it has a lot of potential, although it still needs time to gain in popularity.”

If Campenaerts represents the team’s experience and advocacy for the format, Julie Van de Velde brings fresh enthusiasm. This will be her second appearance in the mixed relay, having first raced it in 2019. That outing was anything but easy. “It was difficult, but I understand that it is part of the challenge. This year I'm really looking forward to it, it's special to be in a World Cup, and even more so in Africa,” she said.

Van de Velde also emphasized the need for trust and communication within the team. While Marthe Goossens, a likely partner, will not be competing, the focus remains on how the group works together. “The key will be communication. We must be able to tell each other if someone is going too fast or if we need to adjust the pace. Everything must be done without resentment, with the sole objective of getting the best out of each other,” she explained.

The Belgian squad arrives in Kigali realistic about their chances but motivated by the opportunity. Campenaerts and Van de Velde echo the same belief: that the mixed relay deserves its place in the cycling calendar, even if it is still winning over its critics. Whether they stand on the podium or not, the effort on Wednesday will test their coordination, endurance, and, most of all, their ability to race as a true team.