"I have proven to myself that I can handle the high level" - Lennert Van Eetvelt set to take another step in 2024

Exactly one year ago, Lennert Van Eetvelt made his first appearance among the pros with a second and third place in the Challenge Mallorca. Twelve months later, he's back on the Spanish island with even greater ambitions as the goal is to aim for GC at week-long stage races in 2024.

"Growing up I was always more of a puncher. That makes sense if you always train in the Hageland. Over the years I have consciously tried to grow into a climber type. I knew that the level was very high in the WorldTour, so my first year as a professional was mainly a matter of discovering and seeing: could I ever handle that high level? I have proven to myself that I can take that step. I am currently working very hard, hoping to compete with the best climbers," he told WielerFlits.

"I spend more and more time in Tenerife. I notice that I am better when I can train a lot in Spain and cycle consistently at a high level. I often stay there together with William Junior Lecerf. This way I can focus more on the long climbs. I have left my explosiveness behind to be able to take the next step."

"I used to always have the feeling: when I come back from my internship, I'm good. So my reasoning was: if I always go on an internship, I will always be good. It is also nicer to train in the good weather. I sometimes think back to the period when I did many long training sessions in Belgium and I am very happy that I no longer have to do that. I also notice that my level increases by training a lot uphill. It's strange to be away from home, but it's part of it."