Belgian Cyclists Face Uphill Battle for Top 30 Finish in Tour de France
A historic streak is in jeopardy as Belgian riders currently trail in the Tour de France general classification, raising doubts about whether the nation will maintain its eight-year run of having at least one cyclist finish in the Top 30. With six stages remaining, including three challenging mountain stages, a late surge remains possible, but the current standings present a significant hurdle.
A Tradition on the Line
Since 2016, Belgium has consistently placed a rider within the Top 30 of the Tour de France, a testament to the nation’s cycling prowess. Last year marked a high point, with a record four Belgian competitors achieving this feat since 2000. However, the landscape looks markedly different this year.
As of before the sixteenth stage, Xandro Meurisse leads the Belgian contingent in 31st position, followed by Ilan Van Wilder in 33rd and Victor Campenaerts in 34th. This represents a considerable shift from recent successes and necessitates a strong performance in the remaining stages to preserve the national tradition.
Opportunities Remain in Final Stages
Despite the current standings, hope isn’t lost. The remaining six stages, particularly the three mountain stages, offer opportunities for riders to gain significant time. A senior official stated, “There is clearly time to have one or the other Belgian in the Top 30.”
Xandro Meurisse, a consistent performer who secured 21st place in 2019, is considered the most likely candidate. Ilan Van Wilder, now free from supporting duties for Remco Evenepoel, could also make a push. However, Victor Campenaerts is expected to dedicate his efforts fully to supporting race leader Jonas Vingegaard.
The Breakaway Strategy
A key tactic for these riders could be to join a breakaway group. The significant time gaps between competitors create a potential avenue for gaining valuable minutes. The success of Serge Pauwels in 2015 serves as a compelling example.
Pauwels, then a national coach, dramatically improved his position in the final stages of the 2015 Tour de France, gaining over nine minutes on eventual winner Christopher Froome between stages 15 and 21, climbing from 24th to 13th place overall. While a similar margin of improvement against current leader Tadej Pogacar is unlikely, a well-timed breakaway could still yield substantial gains.
Evenepoel’s Absence and Future Focus
The withdrawal of Remco Evenepoel from the Tour de France has reshaped the Belgian team’s dynamics. According to the national coach Serge Pauwels, “The hunger of Remco will be even greater for the World Cup!” This suggests a shift in focus towards the upcoming World Championships, potentially influencing the strategies of the remaining Belgian riders in the final stages of the Tour.
The question remains whether the Belgian cyclists will prioritize a Top 30 finish or conserve energy for future competitions. Their performance in the remaining stages will determine whether Belgium can extend its impressive streak and maintain its prominent position in the world of professional cycling.
