"I was able to finally take the step thanks to my mental coach" - European champion Jente Michels reveals the secret of his success

Jente Michels has won his first international U23s title last week. The 20-year-old European champion is quietly working his way to the top at Alpecin-Deceuninck, but still sees plenty of room for improvement, he tells WielerFlits.

"I am someone who often has a lot of stress before a championship. It never sat well with me either. A bad start, bad luck... I always came across something. In terms of level, I knew that I belonged to the best U23 riders and was therefore capable of taking the title, but you never know when stress will take over again."

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Michels was prepared this time. "In terms of my abilities, I felt I was getting a little better every year, but mentally I still had to take that step. That happened this season, primarily thanks to the mental coach the team recommended me. That tip was invaluable."

The third-year U23 also sees room for improvement in other areas. "Last summer I rode the mountain bike, and only two races on the road. I felt afterwards that it might have been a little too little. In the meantime, I have discussed with the team that I will be able to do a wider range of road races next year. I have the profile of a stage racer, so why wouldn't I go for a classification in races like the Tour Alsace and Valle d'Aosta? I was good on the road in the juniors, so I should be able to reach a high level in both disciplines."

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