Jan Bakelants completes Unound Gravel in 14th place: "It was also more of a mental test than a physical test"

Jan Bakelants successfully concluded the Unbound Gravel in 14th more than half an hour behind the winner. The former pro talked about the impression the race left on him.

"It was really tough mentally. During the race I questioned myself ten times," the respected member of Wielerclub Wattage was honest.

"The first part of the race has actually gone completely wrong. At the start I was told that we might have to walk because there was mud," Bakelants explained.

"I was not aware of the seriousness of the situation and made the mistake of riding in the mud for a while. My bike was full of mud, which locked my wheels and I had to get off."

"Unlike the rest, I didn't have a wooden spatula with me to get the mud off my bike. So I tried it with my hands, but that took a lot of time."

"I haven't really been able to train, so I have to be satisfied with my 14th place. At the moment I am mainly satisfied that it is over. It was also more of a mental test than a physical test."

"Perhaps pride will dominate soon. Although I still have to consider whether I want to do this again," Bakelants concluded honestly.