"I was happy when I was called up as a substitute" - Edward Theuns accepts his supportive role at the European Championships

Despite being left out in the initial selection, Edward Theuns will join the Belgian selection for home European Championships on Wednesday, day before the mixed time trials where Theuns surprisingly makes an appearance as well, on top of the road race start.

"When the selection was announced, there was some disappointment because I was left out," Theuns begins his story for Het Nieuwsblad. "On the other hand, I quickly accepted that. In Belgium, you can choose from twenty riders who deserve a place at the European Championships. When I was called up as a substitute, that gave me a good feeling. I continue to consider it an honour to wear the shirt of your country."

Theuns will thus make his fifth appearance at the Continental Championships. "First of all, I feel sorry for Van Aert. The way he rode, he was an asset for our country," he acknowledges. "Replacing Lampaert in the mixed relay is a step into the unknown for me. Noah Vandenbranden and Victor Vercouillie have already proven themselves in the battle against the clock. Where we can end up? No idea."

Theuns will probably be deployed in the sprint train for one of Belgium's pure sprinters Tim Merlier, Jasper Philipsen or Jordi Meeus on Sunday. "This year we booked quite a few successes at Lidl-Trek with the Italian Jonathan Milan. In many of his victories I played a significant role in the lead-out. Two years ago we played Tim Merlier as a sprinter in Munich. It clicked with Bert Van Lerberghe in the preparation for the sprint and that should work out now too."