"I've rarely seen such a strong but stupid rider" - Johan Bruyneel critical of Jarno Widar in U23 World Championship road race

Heading into the men's under 23 road race at the 2024 World Championships, Belgium seemed a team packed with options in the form of Jarno Widar and William Junior Lecerf. In the end though, Alec Segaert placed best of his nation, finishing on the podium in third.

On the road, the strongest of the Belgian outfit seemed to be Lotto Dstny starlet Widar. As the 18-year-old attempted to ride his rivals off the wheel however, Widar somewhat seemed to burn himself out in the process. Reacting afterwards, the controversial Johan Bruyneel was far from impressed by his young compatriot's performance.

"That Jarno Widar, does he really think that those other guys can't ride a bike or something?" Bruyneel analyses on his official X (Twitter) account after the race. "I've rarely seen such a strong but stupid rider... man, man, man..."

“The Swiss had a lot of confidence in Jan Christen,” Widar himself reflected post-race to Eurosport. “They attacked on the steep part of the climb. That was one lap too early, I think. I knew I could come back if I attacked on the next lap.”

Despite his best efforts though, it wasn't to be. “I made a mistake. That allowed Niklas Behrens (race winner ed.) and the number two (Martin Svrcek) to attack," Widar concludes. "I don’t know what to say… I was just fucked at that moment. Also because of the cold.”