"I have never ridden in a jersey other than my team's" - Newly-crowned European Champion Christophe Laporte motivated for end of season success

For the first since being crowned European Champion after a thrilling finale in the Netherlands, Christophe Laporte will be back in action at the Famenne Ardenne Classic and the Frenchman is motivated to end his season on a high.

"For me, it was the first time I had won a champion's jersey”, Laporte says to his Jumbo-Visma team's official website. "I have never ridden in a jersey other than my team's. I'm looking forward to riding in the champion’s jersey. I don't want to know what else the team has prepared regarding bikes or other equipment. I like to be surprised the day before the race."

"I think it's quite a challenging race, a bit like Binche-Chimay-Binche. I won it at the end of last season, so I am hoping for a similar race. I'm ready to get to know this race, and I think I can do well in my current form," he continues, previewing the upcoming Famenne Ardenne Classic where he will likely see tough competition from the likes of Arnaud De Lie and Kaden Groves.

After overcoming De Lie and two of his own Jumbo-Visma teammates in Wout van Aert and Olav Kooij to take European glory, Laporte didn't celebrate too hard. For that, he's waiting until the end of the season.

"We took it easy. With the French team, we celebrated the victory. That was very special. Everyone was thrilled; you could see that at the podium ceremony," he explains. "There are still three races where I can show off my new jersey, and I'm motivated to do so. The Tour of Munster will probably end in a bunch sprint. Paris-Tours is a race that suits me, and I can show myself in my own country again. After that, it's probably time to truly celebrate the European title."