Belgium’s Bold Lineup: No Van Aert, Full Support for Evenepoel7

Van Aert Out: A Season’s Toll Calls It Quits

Wout van Aert, one of the most versatile and powerful riders in modern cycling, will not be competing at the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda—or the European Championships either. After an exhaustive season featuring two Grand Tours (Giro d’Italia, Tour de France), numerous Spring Classics, and 56 race days, van Aert has decided to end his season early, concluding with the Super 8 Classic in Belgium on September 20. His decision is seen as a strategic, well-deserved rest, respecting physical limits and mental well-being.

National coach Serge Pauwels expressed both regret and understanding: van Aert’s presence would have been a significant asset—not just as a contender but as a tactical leader. Still, considering the demanding nature of Rwanda’s course, his decision is seen as both wise and empathetic.

Evenepoel to Lead the Charge

With van Aert stepping aside, Remco Evenepoel becomes Belgium’s undisputed leader in both the road race and the time trial in Kigali. The two-time world time trial champion (2023, 2024) and 2022 road race champion will aim to defend his titles on African soil for the first time.

Belgium has assembled a strong, well-rounded squad to support him:

• Ilan Van Wilder
• Victor Campenaerts
• Tiesj Benoot
• Florian Vermeersch
• Xandro Meurisse
• Quinten Hermans
• Cian Uijtdebroeks These riders hail from top teams like Soudal–Quick-Step and Visma | Lease a Bike, bringing tactical depth, time-trial ability, and climbing support—especially vital on Rwanda’s punishing terrain.

Tactical Voices: Benoot and Campenaerts Stand Firm

Even before the final roster, Tiesj Benoot and Victor Campenaerts were confirmed as key pillars in supporting Evenepoel’s bid. Pauwels praised their form and experience, especially in adapting to the climbing demands of Kigali.

And while not riding Portugal or France, their inclusion reflects Belgium’s inclusive team strategy—rallying behind their chief and adjusting to the absence of a major teammate.

Context & Course Challenges

The Kigali Worlds, spanning September 21–28, are set to be among the most gruelling in recent memory. The road race covers 267.5 km with over 5,500 meters of climbing, while the time trial features 40.6 km and also demands climbing proficiency.

This terrain favors strong climbers and experienced tacticians—traits embodied by both Evenepoel and his supporting squad.

Closing Thoughts

Belgium’s strategy is clear: absent their powerhouse van Aert, they’re fully aligning behind Evenepoel. The assembled team blends time-trial prowess, support climbing, and strategic depth—designed precisely to complement Evenepoel’s strengths.

It’s a bold, calculated gamble: a chance for Belgium to rally behind a sole leader and for Evenepoel to potentially reclaim—or retain—multiple rainbow jerseys.

Summary Box

Let me know if you’d like a deeper breakdown on specific riders, course analysis, or Belgium’s strategy against top rivals like Tadej Pogačar.