Quinten Hermans reacts to Gravel World Championships bronze: “I might skip this winter”

Quinten Hermans, 29, from Belgium, secured a bronze medal at the Gravel World Championships in Leuven, Belgium, after a hard-fought sprint finish. Hermans, who rides for Alpecin–Deceuninck, competed alongside a strong field but ultimately finished behind Mathieu van der Poel, who claimed gold after a dominant solo performance.

Hermans, who competes in gravel, road, and cyclocross, spoke to Wielerflits after the race and hinted that he may take a break from cyclocross this winter. “The plan was to ride together as a team. I think we did that quite well, but when Mathieu attacked with about 120 kilometres to go, you could already feel that it was going to be a tough race. We then started the last lap with seven or eight riders. They were all strong riders, so you know that it will be difficult to keep it together. Then Mathieu went again, which made it difficult to go for first or second place. But I am happy to still come third.”

Reflecting on his form, Hermans added, “I knew that my shape was good. Last week, at the world road championships, I also had good legs. But to say that I would be on the podium here today. There were really strong riders at the start and when we went to the sprint, I was certainly not sure that I would win that sprint. Those other guys were also fast. But I was able to play the game a bit at the end and stay on their wheels a bit longer. Then I just had that final shot.”

After a busy summer of racing, Hermans is contemplating a break from his usual winter cyclocross season. “I might skip this winter. It has been a very busy summer, with a lot of racing days. That also has an impact. I am going to let my body recover for a while and then we will see,” he said.

Hermans' bronze medal adds another impressive result to his multi-disciplinary career, which continues to showcase his versatility across different forms of cycling.