When did you pick up cycling?
“I have had a license since 2010. My parents used to cycle. That’s how they met. For me it started by cycling in the forest. I went to watch a race a number of times, which made me want to do it too. My parents bought me a bicycle so that I could try it myself. After one or two training sessions I got excited and I stored my football boots away.”

Which rider do you see as an example?
“Julian Alaphillipe. Just like me, he is an ‘Ardennes type’. The short climbs are my thing. His way of racing also appeals to me. He has an attacking style. I like that. I also like to attack. In the past year I was not always able to show that, but I am determined to show myself.”

How did you experience the switch from the juniors to the U23 category?
“Of course it was quite a step. I was able to come along, but sometimes I just fell short to make the difference. It was more a matter of following. I hope to regain the strength to make the difference next year. As a junior I was able to do so and I was often one of the tastemakers in the race.”

“I expected to have more trouble coping with the distance, although it was very hard work. Of course you are less fresh at the end, but that makes sense.”

What are your favourite meals around a race?
“The evening before a race I like to eat rice or pasta. On race day I mainly eat bread or a pasta salad. In recent weeks we have had some presentations regarding nutrition. That was very interesting. I never really thought about it, but I like to learn more about it. We were instructed by our nutritionist Karin Lambrechtse to keep track of what we eat at home. I know the basics about nutrition, but to learn specific things about it is interesting.”

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