For a long time, Jasper Philipsen was expected to lead the charge of the Belgians at the 2024 European Championship. In a somewhat late call though, the decision was made to pivot to a dual leadership strategy alongside Tim Merlier. In the end, that proved a masterstroke as it was Merlier who took the title.
Despite the way things unfolded, there's no hard feelings for Philipsen afterwards. "I did my sprint and I wasn't fast enough. I have to be satisfied with that," he analyses honestly after missing out on a medal entirely, finishing in 4th behind Merlier, Olav Kooij and Madis Mihkels. "Everyone could do their own thing today and Tim (Merlier) was clearly the fastest. He is the deserved winner. It's as simple as that. I didn't have the best legs today."
Throughout the race, the TV cameras caught shots of Philipsen alongside his good friend and trade teammate at Alpecin-Deceuninck, Mathieu van der Poel. Post-race, the Belgian was quizzed on just what these discussions were about with his rival on the day. "What did I tell him? I tried to bribe him for a lead-out," Philipsen jokes. "No, just kidding. Not much was said. Mathieu rode his race."
Despite a number of attacks from Van der Poel and others throughout the day, it was in the end, a bunch sprint that decided things. With Philipsen being led out by Jordi Meeus, things looked good a few hundred metres from the line, but ultimately, it wasn't to be.
"In a sprint, you never know how it will go. I did not have the best legs, but in a sprint everything can change. I started, but Tim and Olav (Kooij) came very quickly. I can't blame myself for anything," Philipsen concludes his post-race assessment. "Of course I'm happy for Tim. He is definitely the deserved winner and he was the fastest today. And he is also driving a very strong season. Tim is a fair winner."
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