National Championships and Vuelta a España big goals for Gerben Thijssen

Having made his pro debut in 2019, Gerben Thijssen has slowly been climbing up the ranks in the sprinter field. Having left Lotto Soudal to join Intermarché - Wanty - Gobert Matériaux, he is so far this year experiencing a lot of freedom and also support for his goals in the sprints and classics.

In an interview with Wielerflits, Thijssen has talked about the support and motivation that are currently boosting the team into incredibly positive performances, his upcoming calendar and goals for the rest of the season.

He explained his upcoming racing schedule: “I will start in the Heistse Pijl (June 4), the Ronde van Limburg (June 6), the Elfstedenronde (June 12) and the Baloise Belgium Tour (June 15-19) respectively," he said, and that will be his final preparation for the main goal of the summer. "This is followed by the BC [Belgian Championships] in Middelkerke (June 26), which I did mark with red. If the wind in 'De Moeren' is not so bad that day, that BC can become a bunch sprint. That I look forward to."

Thijssen has taken his first pro win recently at the 4 Jours du Dunkerque, and has had a very consistent period where he fought for top results in several Belgian/Dutch semi-classics. He's playing a role in Intermarché's quest for UCI points, but is also targeting his own individual goals by doing the same.

Later on in the season he's hoping to be a part of the team's lineup at the Vuelta a España - as Alexander Kristoff and Biniam Girmay are set to target the late season classics and World championships. "I made my Grand Tour debut there two years ago and took second place on stage ninth. I'm a little bit out for revenge," Thijssen pointed out. “But we continue to make progress step by step. Thanks to Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert and the good flow we are in. That is the most important."