"The fact that I am now the leader makes it different" - Arnaud De Lie excited for the extra pressures of his growing renown in 2024

Arnaud De Lie took clear steps in his development during the 2023 season, including his first World Tour-level win at the GP de Québec in September. After three weeks training at altitude, the Belgian is ready excited to get back to racing.

"We worked well and had a great time. Last year the altitude internship in Livigno was good, I hope it has the same effect now," De Lie tells In de Leiderstrui about his winter training in Tenerife. "The Vuelta Ciclista a la Región de Murcia and Clasica de Almeria suit me, so we chose to start three weeks later and thus start in perfect condition."

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Alongside the traditional team training camps at altitude, the 21-year-old also spent time with his teammate and compatriot, Victor Campenaerts, who has become something of a mentor for De Lie. "It was more relaxed, but we still spent a lot of time on our bikes. The fact that I broke Strava records during training gives confidence, but training is not competitions," he says. "I'm confident for my start to the season, but broken records don't mean you're flying.”

"The numbers are impressive at the moment. I'm excited. Trainings are fun, but different," De Lie continues. "In the race you have the adrenaline. The fact that I am now the leader makes it different from other years. That's why we started later, so that my first dip is after the classics. We think that's the right tactic."

"My first peak will be in the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad in two weeks, but I'm already good," the Lotto Dsnty star concludes. "I think I can win a semi-classics. I hope to win one Flemish classic and win like in Quebec last year. I want to compete in the big competitions. Not necessarily for the win, but if you participate in the final, that's good for me."

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