Sven Nys Highlights Philipsen and Van der Poel as Top Favorites for Belgian Cycling Championship
Belgian cycling legend Sven Nys has identified Jasper Philipsen and Mathieu van der Poel as the leading contenders for the 2024 Belgian Cycling Championship, citing their recent performances in the Baloise Belgium Tour as key indicators of form. The remarks come ahead of the national title race, which will take place on September 15 in Roeselare, a venue known for its challenging cobbled sectors and high-stakes sprint finishes.
According to Nys, who retired from professional racing in 2018 but remains a vocal analyst, the two riders “have the right mix of speed, endurance, and tactical awareness to dominate the Belgian Championships.” His comments were shared in a press conference following the final stage of the Baloise Belgium Tour, where Philipsen secured the overall victory.
What Happened at the Baloise Belgium Tour?
Jasper Philipsen, the 29-year-old Belgian cyclist for Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl, won the 2024 Baloise Belgium Tour, marking his first major victory of the season. The five-stage race, held from September 5–9, featured a mix of time trials, flat stages, and cobbled roads, with Philipsen prevailing in the final stage’s 178-kilometer sprint to Lokeren. His victory came after a dramatic penultimate stage, where he narrowly avoided a crash in the final kilometers.
Philipsen’s win was his third career stage race victory, adding to his 2022 Paris-Roubaix win and 2023 Gent-Wevelgem triumph. His performance in the Baloise Belgium Tour, which included a stage win in Kortrijk, has been cited by multiple analysts as a strong indicator of his readiness for the Belgian Championships.
Mathieu van der Poel, the Dutch cyclo-cross and road racing star, finished second overall in the Baloise Belgium Tour. The 28-year-old, who has not yet secured a 2024 road racing victory, showed his versatility by winning the time trial stage in Lommel and remaining competitive on the cobbled roads. Van der Poel’s team, Alpecin-Fenix, emphasized his focus on the Belgian Championships in a press release following the race.
Why Are Philipsen and Van der Poel the Favorites?
The Belgian Cycling Federation (CBV) has confirmed that the 2024 national championship course will feature 194 kilometers of racing, including 10 cobbled sectors and a 4.2-kilometer climb up the Molenberg. The route, which has been used in previous editions, is known for favoring sprinters with strong climbing abilities and tactical acumen.
Philipsen’s ability to navigate cobbled roads and his experience in sprint finishes make him a strong candidate. His team reported that he has been training extensively in Flanders, focusing on “power output and recovery” in preparation for the national title. “Jasper’s form is excellent,” said Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl’s sports director, Patrick Lefevere. “He’s been consistent in every type of race this season.”
Van der Poel’s inclusion as a favorite is less conventional, as he has not won a major road race in 2024. However, his versatility and past success in cobbled classics—such as the 2021 Paris-Roubaix and 2023 E3 Saxo Bank—have earned him attention. “Mathieu’s strength on the cobbles is unmatched,” said Belgian cyclist Wout van Aert, who finished third in the Baloise Belgium Tour. “If he’s in form, he could be a dark horse.”
What About Other Contenders?
While Philipsen and van der Poel are the top names, several other riders are also in the mix. Belgian cyclist Thibau Sauvage, who finished fourth in the Baloise Belgium Tour, has expressed optimism about his chances. “The Belgian Championships are always unpredictable,” Sauvage said in a post-race interview. “I’ve been working on my climbing, and I believe I can compete.”
Other potential contenders include Belgian sprinter Dylan Teuns (Bahrain Victorious) and Dutch rider Fabio Jakobsen (Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert). Teuns, who won the 2023 Belgian Championships, has yet to secure a 2024 victory but remains a strong favorite. Jakobsen, who has been recovering from a 2023 crash, finished 10th in the Baloise Belgium Tour and is expected to be a key player.
Nys, who won the Belgian Championships six times during his career, acknowledged the challenge of predicting the outcome. “The race is always a test of endurance and strategy,” he said. “But I think Jasper and Mathieu are the ones to watch.”
What Does This Mean for the Tour de France?
Philipsen’s performance in the Baloise Belgium Tour has also raised questions about his prospects for the 2024 Tour de
