Belgium unveils men's road cycling team for Paris Olympics

Belgium will send cyclists Remco Evenepoel, Wout van Aert, Tiesj Benoot and Jasper Stuyven to compete in the men's road race at the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. Evenepoel and Van Aert will also take part in the time trial.

The Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee announced the selection on Tuesday. It has been clear for some time that star riders Evenepoel and Van Aert would spearhead the Belgian team. Coach Sven Vanthourenhout chose Benoot and Stuyven to assist them. 

"I think with Wout and Remco we can win a medal in both the time trial and the road race"

It was a difficult choice among many suitable candidates, Vanthourenhout said. "I think with Tiesj Benoot and Jasper Stuyven we have the perfect support for Wout and Remco," he said, adding that he chose the two for their experience, which will be needed in a tactically difficult race.

Van Aert and Evenepoel are still early in their careers but already have an impressive collection of international medals. Vanthourenhout has high expectations for them. "I think with Wout and Remco we can win a medal in both the time trial and the road race," he said.

The men's and women's individual time trials will take place on 27 July. The men's road race will take place on 3 August, while the women's road race is scheduled for the following day. The women's team has yet to be announced.

^{Wout van Aert and Remco Evenepoel celebrate after winning the men's elite road race at the UCI Road World Championships 2022 in Wollongong, Australia © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM}