"They will definitely be there, supporting Remco Evenepoel" - Belgian team for the World Championships begins to take shape

Serge Pauwels, head of the Belgian national team at this point in time, had to accept the absence of Wout van Aert from the upcoming World and European Championships as announced by Visma. Now he is in the final stages of building up the team for the upcoming races, and he has confirmed two Visma riders to support Remco Evenepoel.

"Tiesj Benoot and Victor Campenaerts are two certainties. They'll definitely be there, supporting Remco Evenepoel," team national coach Serge Pauwels shared in words to VTM Nieuws. This will come as great news for the Olympic Champion as both Visma riders showed tremendous form during the Tour de France, and are both very experienced classics specialists who can handle the climbing quite well.

And they will meet an Evenepoel who will be motivated to succeed in Rwanda, as he is set to defend his rainbow jersey in the time-trial but will also be one of the few men who can realistically at least challenge Tadej Pogacar in the road race. "Immediately after abandoning the Tour, he told me he couldn't wait to start training again. His first few rides have been quite challenging. He's made both the time trial and the road race his goals. And if Remco sets his mind on something..."

There are many questions regarding very important men like Lennert van Eetvelt and Thibau Nys that will be solved over the coming month, and one unexpected presence might be that of Cian Uijtdebroeks who has returned to his best level with a stagerring triumph at the Tour de l'Ain.

"His selection was on hold for a long time because he was struggling with some issues. But after his strong San Sebastián and now the Tour de l’Ain, I want to talk to him again. He's in a great groove, has ambition, and wants to go to Rwanda. It would be a great experience for him."