Nobody Can Replace Him” – Tiesj Benoot and Jasper Stuyven Lament Absence of Wout van Aert but Fully Support Remco Evenepoel in Zürich
As the cycling world gears up for the UCI Road World Championships in Zürich, the Belgian squad finds itself in an unusual and challenging situation: the absence of Wout van Aert, their talisman and one of the most versatile riders in modern cycling. For Tiesj Benoot and Jasper Stuyven, two of Belgium’s most dependable workhorses, Van Aert’s absence is a major blow, but their focus has shifted to fully supporting the other Belgian star, Remco Evenepoel.
Wout van Aert has been nothing short of a cornerstone for the Belgian national team in recent years. Known for his extraordinary ability to perform in sprints, time trials, and classics, Van Aert has become one of the most complete riders in the peloton. His presence in any race often guarantees Belgium a significant strategic advantage, offering versatility whether the terrain favors sprinters, puncheurs, or all-rounders.
This year, however, Van Aert has been forced to miss the World Championships in Zürich due to personal reasons, which has left a noticeable gap in the Belgian lineup. Tiesj Benoot, who often works closely with Van Aert, summed it up bluntly: “Nobody can replace him. Wout is unique. His skillset, his physical ability, and the way he reads the race is unmatched. But we have to move on and focus on the team we have here.”
Jasper Stuyven echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the significance of Van Aert’s absence but emphasizing the team’s resilience. “Of course, we would have loved to have Wout here. He’s not just a strong rider; he’s someone who boosts the morale of the entire team. But we’re professionals, and the goal remains the same: to bring the rainbow jersey back to Belgium.”
In Van Aert’s absence, much of the pressure has now shifted onto the young shoulders of Remco Evenepoel. The reigning world champion in the time trial and one of the brightest talents in the sport, Evenepoel has the capability to rise to the occasion. However, the road race is a different beast, and the Belgian team will need to execute a flawless strategy to give him the best chance of success.
Benoot and Stuyven have made it clear that their focus is now on supporting Evenepoel in any way they can. “Remco is an incredible rider, and we’ve all seen what he’s capable of,” Benoot said. “He’s young, but he rides with the wisdom of someone much older. Our job is to protect him, guide him through the critical moments of the race, and set him up for a shot at the title.”
Stuyven, who has experience as a road captain in major races, also underscored the importance of unity within the team. “We need to ride as one, with a clear strategy. Remco is our leader, but every rider has a role to play. If we execute properly, we can still win.”
The Zürich World Championships course is a demanding one, featuring multiple climbs that are expected to break up the peloton early and often. Without Van Aert, the Belgian team may find itself less versatile in its race tactics, relying more heavily on Evenepoel’s climbing and time-trialing abilities to make the difference.
Benoot, known for his strength on hilly terrain, will be a key support rider in the latter stages of the race. “The course suits riders like Remco, but it’s going to be a war of attrition. Our goal is to keep him sheltered and fresh until the final climbs. After that, it’s up to him,” Benoot explained.
Stuyven, who has often played the role of a domestique for Belgium in major championships, is also expected to be a pivotal part of the team’s strategy. “It’s not just about the legs; it’s about positioning and timing. We need to be in the right place at the right time to support Remco, and that’s what I’m focused on.”
With the spotlight now squarely on Evenepoel, the weight of Belgian cycling hopes rests on him. But both Benoot and Stuyven are confident that the young star has what it takes to handle the pressure. Evenepoel, who won the 2022 Vuelta a España and has continued to develop into one of the sport’s most formidable talents, is no stranger to high expectations.
“Remco has been in this position before,” Stuyven said. “He knows what it’s like to carry the hopes of a nation on his shoulders. He thrives under pressure, and that’s what makes him so special.”
Benoot also noted that Evenepoel’s maturity, despite his age, is one of his greatest assets. “He’s only 24, but you wouldn’t know it from the way he rides. He’s focused, composed, and driven. We all believe he can win.”
While the absence of Wout van Aert is undeniably a setback for Belgium, the team remains one of the strongest in the competition, thanks to the leadership of Remco Evenepoel and the support of experienced riders like Tiesj Benoot and Jasper Stuyven. The road race in Zürich will be a true test of their unity, strategy, and endurance.
“We have to be realistic. It’s going to be a tough race, and nothing is guaranteed,” Benoot said. “But we believe in our team, and we believe in Remco. If we can stick to our plan and give him the support he needs, there’s no reason we can’t come out on top.”
Stuyven, ever the optimist, added, “Cycling is unpredictable, and anything can happen. But we’re here to win, and that’s what we’re going to try and do.”
As the race draws nearer, Belgium’s hopes for a world title lie in the hands of Remco Evenepoel, but behind him stands a team fully committed to his success. And though Wout van Aert’s absence is keenly felt, the Belgian squad is prepared to rally together in pursuit of victory.
