Ilan Van Wilder: "I'm not yet ready to be leader at Grand Tours"

Ilan Van Wilder started the Giro d'Italia as exclusive domestique of Remco Evenepoel. After the drop-out of the world champion and four other teammates, Van Wilder can suddenly chase his own results.

Van Wilder rode an excellent La Vuelta last year in the service of Evenepoel. For Van Wilder, that Grand Tour was a very important moment in his career. “I came out stronger and took a step forward. Especially in terms of stamina. I wasn't overtired, which indicated that I digest such a big race really well. And that I have a talent for it. That is interesting information with a view to the future,” the Belgian told Het Laatste Nieuws.

“I am learning a lot in the comestique role for Remco, but I am still much too young to focus solely on that. I also want to continue to explore my limits and see where I can get,” says Van Wilder. “Exclusive leadership in, for example the Vuelta, comes too soon for me. It's not really necessary yet. Rather give me chance in some smaller races after the Giro d'Italia. I will be very pleased with that.”

While Van Wilder is refusing the leader's role this early, he still might accidentally end high up the overall classification while chasing for individual success. He currently sits 15th in the GC, less than four minutes away from the top 10, which would certainly be a nice way to end this horrfying Giro d'Italia for Soudal - Quick-Step.