National coach Sven Vanthourenhout on cloud nine after Remco Evenepoel's victory - "I am very proud. We really looked forward to this day with the team"

Remco Evenepoel became the new World Champion after a thrilling solo ride in Wollongong. His achievement has put every Belgian in celebration mode, but it is national coach Sven Vanthourenhout who is on cloud nine.

"It's easy to say, but this is the scenario we had in mind with Remco," said Vanthourenhout. "I am very proud. We really looked forward to this day with the team. Then you can enjoy it when it's completed like this."

He was not surprised by the news. He was seeing the making of a new World Champion very closely. "I was aware of it. I had seen it the past few days, including in the time trial. His numbers were really good then. And the past few days it was running perfectly," said Vanthourenhout.

But he knows achieving such a feat every year is not realistic, and he is ok with it. "This is very pleasing, but I am also realistic that this will not be the case every year. This is kudos to the team on and off the bike. And the cooperation of the two leaders I have never questioned. We may leave Australia as a world team,” concluded Vanthourenhout.