Stuyven Accuses Belgian Teammates of Supporting Mathieu van der Poel at Gravel Worlds
Jasper Stuyven, the seasoned Belgian cyclist, has made headlines by accusing his national teammates of riding in support of their Dutch rival, Mathieu van der Poel, during the recent Gravel World Championships. In a sport where national pride and unity are paramount, these claims have sparked controversy and raised questions about the loyalty and teamwork within the Belgian squad.
Stuyven, known for his strong performances in classics and his versatility across different terrains, was among the favorites at the 2024 UCI Gravel World Championships. However, what transpired during the race left the rider disillusioned, and his accusations have created waves both within the Belgian camp and across the wider cycling world.
The Gravel World Championships, held in the challenging terrains of Veneto, Italy, brought together some of the biggest names in cycling. Stuyven entered the race as part of a Belgian team filled with talent, including Wout van Aert, Laurens Sweeck, and Tim Merlier. Belgium, always a powerhouse in cycling, was expected to dominate the competition, with many predicting a fierce battle for the title between Stuyven and van Aert.
However, according to Stuyven, what should have been a united Belgian effort quickly unraveled. As the race progressed, he claims to have noticed a surprising lack of support from his teammates. Instead of working together to ensure a Belgian victory, Stuyven believes some of his countrymen were actively aiding their Dutch rival, Mathieu van der Poel.
Van der Poel, a formidable rider who excels across multiple disciplines, including cyclocross, mountain biking, and road cycling, was a key contender for the title. His aggressive riding style and ability to perform on tough gravel roads made him a threat to Stuyven’s ambitions. However, Stuyven did not expect his own teammates to be part of the problem.
After the race, which van der Poel won in dominant fashion, Stuyven voiced his frustration, accusing certain Belgian riders of riding as if they were supporting the Dutchman. “It felt like I was racing against both van der Poel and some of my own teammates,” Stuyven said in a post-race interview. “There were moments where it seemed like the Belgian team was more interested in helping him than in working together for a Belgian win.”
These accusations have thrown the Belgian camp into disarray. Stuyven did not name specific teammates in his initial comments, but the implication was clear: some of the biggest names in Belgian cycling were allegedly not giving their all to secure a victory for their own team. Instead, they seemed to be assisting van der Poel, whether intentionally or through poor tactical choices.
The Belgian team had entered the race with high expectations, and the alleged lack of coordination has only fueled the controversy. Some riders, including Laurens Sweeck and Tim Merlier, have denied the claims, insisting that they were focused on a Belgian victory. However, the accusations have cast a shadow over what was supposed to be a triumphant day for Belgium.
Stuyven’s accusations raise a critical question: were his teammates deliberately riding in support of van der Poel, or was this simply a case of poor tactics? In the heat of a long, grueling gravel race, decisions are made in split seconds, and team tactics can sometimes fall apart under pressure. Stuyven’s disappointment is understandable, but some critics argue that his accusations may be more a reflection of the chaotic nature of gravel racing than actual betrayal.
Gravel racing, by its very nature, is unpredictable. Unlike traditional road races, where teams can execute clear strategies, gravel races often devolve into a test of endurance and survival, with riders left to make snap decisions based on the immediate situation. The wide-open roads and difficult terrain make it harder for teams to stick together, and alliances between riders from different teams or even nations are not uncommon.
However, Stuyven’s claims go beyond simple tactical misjudgment. He believes that some of his teammates were actively working against the Belgian cause, suggesting a deeper division within the team. Whether this is due to personal rivalries, conflicting interests, or a lack of clear leadership within the Belgian squad is unclear. What is evident is that the accusations have created a rift in one of cycling’s most successful nations.
Unsurprisingly, the accusations have prompted a wide range of reactions from within the Belgian cycling community. Wout van Aert, who was also a key player in the race, has remained largely silent on the matter, though he has expressed disappointment in the team’s inability to secure a win. Van Aert and Stuyven have had their share of tensions in the past, and it is unclear whether this latest incident will further strain their relationship.
Other Belgian riders have been more vocal in defending themselves. Laurens Sweeck, who played a key role in the race, denied any wrongdoing, stating, “We went into the race with a clear plan to work for a Belgian victory. It’s unfortunate that it didn’t work out, but I gave my all for the team.”
Van der Poel, for his part, has remained above the fray. The Dutch rider, who has had a stellar year, including victories in cyclocross and road racing, has refused to comment on the accusations, focusing instead on celebrating his Gravel World Championship title. However, his victory has only added fuel to the fire, as some Belgian fans question whether their team could have done more to prevent the Dutchman’s triumph.
Stuyven’s accusations have exposed deep divisions within the Belgian cycling team. Whether these issues can be resolved in time for future races remains to be seen. Teamwork is critical in cycling, especially in events like the World Championships, where national pride is on the line. If Belgium cannot resolve these internal conflicts, they risk falling behind their rivals in key competitions.
For Stuyven, the Gravel World Championships will likely be remembered as a missed opportunity. His accusations, however, have brought attention to the need for stronger leadership and clearer tactics within the Belgian squad. Moving forward, it will be essential for the team to address these issues and ensure that all riders are working towards a common goal.
As for van der Poel, he continues to prove himself as one of the most versatile and dominant riders of his generation. His victory at the Gravel World Championships only adds to his impressive palmarès, and with the Belgian team seemingly in disarray, he may continue to have the upper hand in future races.
In the world of cycling, where rivalries are fierce and alliances can shift in an instant, the fallout from the Gravel World Championships will be closely watched. Stuyven’s accusations have opened a Pandora’s box, and how the Belgian team responds will shape the future of their cycling success.
