Van Belle had a hectic cycling season in 2022, where he rode with the World Tour squad several times. "This season, I ran a more demanding programme than the year before, including several professional races. That went really well from the start. Riding alongside the World Tour riders was also a lot of fun. I learned new things there that I could use during races with the Jumbo-Visma Development Team."

Van Belle's season did not end as he had hoped. He was pushed into rest mode early following a crash at the Ronde de L'Isard. "Initially, I thought a few days' rest would be enough to recover, but the pain persisted. That was disappointing, and I needed time to deal with it. But after being in touch with my coach frequently, I had pretty much set my goals for the future."

The 20-year-old resident of Zoetermeer recently finished a training camp with the development team in chilly Norway. However, he still carries warm feelings about the Tour de l'Avenir. "I regret not having been able to win any individual races last year, yet wearing the yellow jersey at the Tour de l'Avenir was undoubtedly the highlight. There was a lot of interest in the race, and people were scanting my name. Everything surrounding it made it clear that it's the biggest U23 race. It's really cool to be able to wear the leader's jersey there. In addition, I was pleased with my ninth-place finish in the overall classification."

In 2022 it was announced that Van Belle will join the World Tour squad in 2024. "As a young boy, you develop a dream, and over the years, you realise it has been getting closer and closer. It's amazing to receive the chance to join the biggest and greatest cycling team in the world as a professional cyclist. It makes me feel proud." Van Belle blends in nicely with the others. "We share a similar thinking style, and Robbert de Groot, my trainer, and I get along well. It feels like my squad because I get along extremely well with everyone."

In recent years, Van Belle developed a lot, and he intends to keep doing so. "I believe I have improved my professionalism on and off the bike. My mental strength has increased along with my physical strength. I now manage to make correct and sensible choices ahead of a race. I am serious about the sport and hope to continue this way. I feel secure knowing I will become a professional in 2024. Having said that, I want to win individually and with the team. We remain hungry."

In the transitional year of 2023, he wishes to improve in several areas. "That includes training volume, getting stronger, and putting in more time on the bike. As the oldest boy in the group, I aim to take a leadership position on the development squad the next season and increase my load capacity. I also hope to do really well during the World Cup, the European Championship and Tour de l'Avenir. And I intend to start the U23 riders' version of Liège-Bastogne-Liège."