Victor Campenaerts looks forward to Arnaud De Lie's Tour debut: "He has to tackle it without pressure"

After three seasons in the same team, Victor Campenaerts and Arnaud De Lie will part their ways next year. While De Lie will stick with Lotto Dstny for next few years, his mentor Campenaerts is reportedly returning to Visma | Lease a Bike in 2025. As surprising as it may seem, the two have created a special bond between eachother during that time - a friendship that will continue beyond their current contracts.

But before the two will each head their own path, they'll complete the rest of a season in same colours. And for De Lie there's one debut Campenaerts particularly looks forward - the Tour de France. "Arnaud's first, right," Campenaerts highlights the special experience for his teammate in a chat with Het Laatste Nieuws. "He has to tackle it without pressure. Although I do see some great opportunities. Stages that could potentially culminate in a sprint. But perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea to slip into a breakaway that could carry you to the end."

"I'm looking forward to making my debut with Victor by my side. He has tons of experience racing at Grand Tours and I can learn a lot from him." De Lie will also encounter Mathieu van der Poel at the Tour. Although the world champion will be at the service of Jasper Philipsen in the flat sprints, the two could compete against each other after a tougher stage. It would be the first time they'd clash against each other.

Campenaerts would like to see it happen: "I think that is a moment that many cycling fans are looking forward to. Resulting in a hundred thousand Instagram videos that will continue to appear on your timeline for up to six months after the competition."

De Lie himself has his doubts: "Mmm, but then I see it happening more in a one-day classic than in the Tour. Must be special, against such a great champion."