“The younger riders seem to be getting crazier and crazier" - Ben Hermans astonished at lack of fear in new generation

Now aged 37, Ben Hermans is set for a new adventure in 2024 having signed a deal to continue his professional career with Cofidis.

Comparing the peloton of now to back when he began a decade and a half ago however, the Belgian believes it's like a completely different sport. “The younger riders seem to be getting crazier and crazier. While I remain as careful as in recent years," he tells Het Nieuwsblad. "No, the racing is simply different than in the past. Racing based on intuition or feeling is no longer possible."

With 19 wins over the course of his career, Hermans has a lot to back upon with pride. One of the areas he feels he's seen the sport change the most though, is in regards to rider's attitudes in regards to their own safety.

“Every spring, all team leaders increasingly emphasize the importance of positioning. So – partly due to the combination of earphones and GPS systems on the bicycle computers – there is a life-or-death approach to a bend," he explains. “Because we hear and see exactly where the crucial point is located, we turn into hunted game. As if a finish line has been drawn beyond that bend. No one grabs their brakes anymore. A course of action that also takes place several times a day.”