Emiel Verstrynge, the 24-year-old Crelan-Corendon rider, has expressed frustration over a lack of communication from the Belgian national cycling federation regarding his non-selection for recent world and European championship events. While preparing for the remainder of his road season, the Maldegem native noted that contact with national coach Serge Pauwels ceased entirely following his performance in the Tour de France.
Communication breakdown after the Tour de France
Verstrynge, speaking during his team’s recent presentation in Antwerp, clarified that he does not necessarily dispute the selection decisions themselves, but rather the silence that followed his participation in the Tour. However, after struggling to reach his expected level during the Grand Tour, he reported hearing nothing further from the national coach.
“For me, in principle, it is not a problem that I was not selected,” Verstrynge told Wielerflits. “There were other guys who, given their form, deserved a selection more.” He noted that he only discovered he had been named a reserve for the European Championships through his own team, rather than through direct communication from the federation. He described the situation as a missed opportunity to discuss his physical state and future availability, noting that a brief follow-up conversation would have been appreciated.
Shifting focus to the final road races
Despite his disappointment regarding the championships, Verstrynge is looking to finish his road season on a positive note. He is currently scheduled to participate in four remaining races, with the upcoming Giro di Lombardia serving as a primary target. He characterized the Italian classic as a race defined by “hardiness,” a profile he feels suits his current capabilities.
Reflecting on his transition between disciplines, Verstrynge acknowledged that his identity as a cyclist is evolving. “I feel more of a road rider than ever,” he told Sporza, though he emphasized that this shift does not diminish his commitment to cyclocross. He plans to take a rest period immediately following his final road commitments before beginning his cyclocross campaign in mid-December, likely targeting around 15 races.
Verstrynge targets cyclocross championships after delayed start
Verstrynge’s delayed start to the winter season could potentially open a door to competing in the Cyclocross World Championships, a prospect he found difficult to manage last year due to an earlier start and a focus on the spring road classics. “Now there might be something possible, but that remains to be seen,” he explained to Wielerflits.
The rider remains particularly motivated for the Belgian Cyclocross Championships, citing a desire for redemption following a narrow defeat to Thibau Nys in the final lap of last year’s race. While he identifies more strongly with road racing at this stage of his career, he maintains that his ambition and enthusiasm for the cyclocross circuit remain unchanged as he prepares to transition back to the mud.
Upcoming competition schedule
Verstrynge is expected to conclude his 2026 road season with a final series of races in Italy, headlined by the Giro di Lombardia scheduled for next Saturday. Following this event, he will begin a recovery period before returning to competition in the cyclocross circuit, with his first appearances tentatively planned for the World Cup in Glasgow in mid-December.
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