"Remco and Wout on this course on an equal footing" Quick-Step and Jumbo-Visma DS' anticipate van Aert and Evenepoel's time-trial battle at nationals

The national championships week is for many one of the most exciting periods of the year, and it provides racing that comes with unusual formats and unpredictability, which also rewards riders with special and new jerseys. One of the mostly hotly anticipated battle comes in the Belgian nationals where Remco Evenepoel and Wout van Aert go head-to-head in the time-trial today.

"It's getting exciting. The difference will not be big. He would have preferred to win those time trials (at the Tour de Suisse, ed.). But all things considered, Remco did fine," Soudal - Quick-Step Klaas Lodewyck told Het Laatste Nieuws. "That goes for his entire week, by the way. Don't underestimate that corona contamination. He really was sick. That doesn't disappear from your body in one-two-three."

The two have just left the Tour de Suisse, both seemingly not in their best form, but with a high level in the time-trials nevertheless. Evenepoel has topped the Jumbo-Visma rider on both occasions, but as the Tour de France draws near van Aert may not bring the benefits from his altitude training, whilst Evenepoel is in an earlier phase of preparation towards the World Championships.

"But still Remco and Wout on this course on an equal footing and I expect an exciting battle, without a big time difference. Wout is getting better by the day towards the Tour de France." The 42-kilometer course in Herzele is not completely flat, but will favour the powerhouse riders as the climbs aren't expected to meaningfully affect the result.

On the Jumbo-Visma camp there are hopes that van Aert can bring back the title he has had in the past, specially as the upcoming Tour de France features only one time-trial and that is in the mountains, unlikely to see him as a big favourite.

"Wout was happy that he could be home with his family for a few days. That also helped to process the emotions," Jumbo-Visma leader Marteen Wynants added. "It's good that he was able to focus on something again. His eyes are on the national championships. There are two clear favourites, but it's hard to say what the result will be. The two are evenly matched, the balance can tip in both directions."