"It's a team with more substantial resources": Alec Segaert reveals surprisingly pragmatic motivation to join Bahrain

With three European under-23 titles in time trial, Alec Segaert made a name for himself as a specialist in the race against the clock over the past seasons. And while his biggest results to the day originate from the discipline, in future Segaert aims to succeed on multiple fronts. What piques his interest the most are cobbled classics, including the iconic Paris-Roubaix where several world-class timetrialists succeeded thanks to their engines in the past. But he'll do so in a new outfit.

After four years spent with traditional Belgian team Lotto and its development team, the 22-year-old heads abroad. His new destination is the exotic Bahrain as he'll represent Bahrain - Victorious over the next three years. Granted he doesn't change colors earlier (which would not so strange nowadays).

"I'm very happy to be discovering a new environment after four seasons with Lotto. I learned everything there, and it was the ideal environment to turn pro; the atmosphere was very family-oriented, and there were mostly Belgians," Segaert begins, speaking to Cyclism'Actu.

Moving from a structure where two thirds of the team were Belgian to Bahrain - Victorious, where the only compatriot of Segaert is another youngster Vlad Van Mechelen, will put the 22-year-old's adaptibility to a serious test. "At Bahrain, things are a bit different...," he admits, quickly adding that it's be no means worse environment. "I needed a change. We're an international team, there are a lot of foreign riders, but it's great. I've received a very warm welcome."

Next to the racing personnel, Segaert will also reunite with his older brother Loïc who's been on the performance staff of Bahrain - Victorious since 2024 as a timetrialing coach. With his help, Segaert hopes to complete his transition from the under-23 star to a WorldTour star after 2025 served more as a transitional year to settle among the best cyclists in the world.

And while Bahrain - Victorious is assumed to not belong among the richest teams in cycling's top division, the team can still lean on a more advanced infrastructure and stronger TT setup than its Belgian rivals. That's something that appealed to the 22-year-old while making the decision. "I signed here to ride for a team with more substantial resources."

But the emphasis is placed on the only French Monument: "I'm really hoping to do well in the Flemish classics. I have a preference for Paris-Roubaix. I'm also here to help the team. In the Giro d'Italia, for example, my goal will be to support my leaders as best I can in their quest for a good overall classification, but I also hope to achieve some good time trials."

Alec shares his recovery program to conclude his interview: "I will start my season in Spain, but my season really starts on February 28th for Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. The goal will be to build up strength for Paris-Roubaix and try to shine there or help Matej shine. I will also do an altitude training camp to prepare for the Giro."