Victor Campenaerts is enjoying his cycling career to the fullest. The 33-year-old Belgian went from time trialist with European title to then become a classics rider. With his move to Visma | Lease a Bike last season, the goal has been clear; to try riding in the mountains. Campenaerts earned himself a Tour de France selection spot already in his first season back with the Dutch team. And he might've just been the most reliable of Jonas Vingegaard's men in the high mountains.
For Visma, it was only a logical step to then nominate the in-form all-rounder also for
Vuelta a Espana where Vingegaard should be an overwhelming favourite. The Belgian played a key role in support of Vingegaard throughout his early-season but most importantly during the Tour in all types of stages. On the flat and hilly days he was a crucial early piece of support but on the mountains the Belgian also showed a level he had never had before. Certainly, he has also made himself available to race the Vuelta.
Contrary to an early pre-selection for the Vuelta, it is clear that Visma will make some changes of their plans. Originally, the American duo Matteo Jorgenson and Sepp Kuss should've been Vingegaard's key men in mountains with Wilco Kelderman, Attila Valter and Ben Tulett ready to put in some work on the earlier slopes. We can only assume that Campenaerts could step in as a 1 for 1 replacement of Dylan van Baarle who's known to be leaving Visma after not-so-successful three-year stint.
Next to the Spanish Grand Tour, Campenaerts should also ride the Kigali
World Championships as a replacement for injured Remco Evenepoel who should've been leading Belgium both in time trial and road race. National coach Serge Pauwels is expected to confirm the list of names heading to Africa at the start of September.