Tiesj Benoot: “I will be completely fine by the World Cup and the classics”

Tiesj Benoot (Team Sunweb) is in excellent condition, but the combination of the back injury he sustained in the Dauphiné and a fall in the first Tour week, means that he is unable to compete for a win for the time being. “I’m getting better every day. I have to be completely fine by the World Cup and the classics. ”

“I still ride with the brakes on”, said Benoot after he was on the attack all day yesterday. “If it goes uphill for a long time, I cannot go as deep as I would like. But I am noticing progress. I feel that I have taken another step forward after the rest day. That makes me optimistic for what is to come. I just need three, four days of rest in a row. ”

“I’m going to come out stronger here. The condition is certainly okay, otherwise you will not drive a whole day ahead. This has to be done for the World Cup and the classics. I stay calm and I am comfortable with it. National coach Rik Verbrugghe will determine which role I will play at the World Cup. Van Aert will be the leader in any case. I hope for myself that I have the legs. In any case, the course is sufficiently selective. ”