Remco Evenepoel and Wout van Aert set to race Rwanda World Championships? "No-one has said no" according to Belgian national coach

The World Championships in Rwanda this year are certain to be one of the highlights of the year, being the first time in the African continent and with a route that promises a lot of spectacle. Simultaneously, due to the high costs, vaccination requirements, toughness of the route and high altitude, some are reluctant about making it a goal. But the likes of Wout van Aert and Remco Evenepoel are not amongst them.

Serge Pauwels, national coach for the Belgian riders, was in Spain recently and got to talk to many of his potential choices. "I spoke to 20 to 25 riders in Spain at Soudal-Quick Step, Lotto, Visma-Lease a Bike, Decathlon-AG2R and Lidl-Trek. The other teams will follow later during the classics," Pauwels said in the Vive le Vélo show. "I have sought the greatest common denominator of teams in this period of the year in Spain and I feel everyone's appreciation that we talk on time."

"There is a lot of talk about it, but no-one has said no. I will be vaccinated soon, because I will be doing reconnaissance during the Tour of Rwanda at the end of February/beginning of March. Hopefully I can do that there by bike, because you still experience the heat, altitude and humidity best on the bike. Although I am no longer a reference myself."

It is very early in the year for many to declare their ambitions to race in Rwanda, some such as Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard have because of the course's nature, well suited to the climbers, but this obviously applies to only a few riders. The Belgians have in Remco Evenepoel a clear candidate for the victory if he has his best legs, and in Wout van Aert another very strong card. The likes of Lennert van Eetvelt, Tiesj Benoot, Tim Wellens and Dylan Teuns could also be very important figures in such a race with over 5000 meters of climbing and long distances.

After a difficult course for the European Championships as well, many could likely combine the two and aim for a peak form in both races as they come very close to each other this year. "Almost every rider has told me that he has ambitions for the World Championships or the European Championships. During such a training camp there is also time to talk and especially to listen to what the riders themselves want. I am the selection officer, but with such top riders you have to enter into dialogue."

Pauwels left Spain with good feedback over his preferred riders, and the Belgian selection will definitely be one to pay a lot of attention to. "I will not look at specific races during the spring, but you will get a general idea of ​​the form curves. By June, which is relatively early, I want a pre-selection. That is earlier than in other years, but that also has to do with the vaccinations. In my head I think of a little more than 10 riders in that pre-selection. Certainly not 15 or 20. Will the Tour be decisive? That plays a role, but there will be no surprises, right? Before the Tour I want to have a good idea of ​​my selection."