Jürgen Roelandts questions his World Championships omission
Belgian coach Carlo Bomans selects five debutants for the World Championships road race but leaves veteran Jürgen Roelandts at home
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Jürgen Roelandts says the Belgian selectors are gambling on a sprint finish at the World Championship road race in Richmond, Virginia, on September 27 as he missed out on selection for the squad.
The Lotto-Soudal rider was overlooked by national coach Carlo Bomans after illness derailed his build-up to the race. A fifth-place finish at the GP Plouay looked to put the 30-year-old back in contention, but Bomans was not convinced.
“Of course I’m disappointed that I’m not selected," Roelandts said. "When I look at the team, I think it’s mainly built around Tom Boonen, with three riders of his team in support.
"The coach seems to gamble on a sprint, but also then I could have been a very good lead-out. But he sees it differently and I have to live with that. In the past I proved I am good in that kind of races, when you take a look at my results."
Boonen looks likely to lead the team, having recently also questioned the judgement of the national coaches who seemed to prefer multiple leaders to one protected rider.
Bomans has overlooked Roelandts, a three-time participant in the World Championships road race, in favour of five debutants in teammate Tiesj Benoot, Jens Keukeleire (Orica-GreenEdge) and Etixx-Quick Step trio Iljo Keisse, Stijn Vandenbergh and Nikolas Maes.
"I'm sure that Belgian team could have been confidant for the World Championships, just like in the past," said Lotto-Soudal manager Marc Sergeant. "Jürgen has World Championships experience and has always been loyal in his efforts for the team. I think it's a strange situation."
Alongside the five debutants, Bomans named Boonen, Philippe Gilbert, Greg Van Avermaet, Sep Vanmarcke in the nine-man squad.
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
-
'It's a matter of time before we do even better' - Uno-X kicks off historic 2023 with stage win at Saudi Tour
Norwegian team is heading to the Tour de France, but first Søren Wærenskjold won its first race of the year on Wednesday
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Saudi Tour stage three: Søren Wærenskjold takes first pro win
GC leader Dylan Groenewegen falls off GC top spot after tough finale of steep ramps
By James Shrubsall • Published
-
Tom Boonen considers a return to racing: 'I'm considering looking for some competition on the bike again'
After a nearly six-year break from professional cycling, the competitive cycling itch is starting to prickle again for Classics legend Tom Boonen.
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
Philippe Gilbert offered Lotto Soudal manager role but turned it down
The Belgian team's previous boss resigned last month
By Tom Davidson • Last updated
-
Lotto Soudal boss leaves as relegation looms over Belgian team
John Lelangue has been in charge of the squad for four years
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Teams target up to four races a day in relegation points scramble
For Lotto-Soudal and Cofidis, the racing is only just beginning
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Lotto-Soudal sign former Qhuebka-NextHash pair until end of season
Reinardt Janse van Rensburg and Carlos Barbero will join Lotto-Soudal for the remainder of 2022
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
What did we learn from the first elite road races of the year?
Alejandro Valverde is still good; Lotto-Soudal are hungry for results; Biniam Girmay might be a force to be reckoned with
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Philippe Gilbert to target results in big races - not 'easy wins' - in his final year
The Belgian former world champion says that he won't chase easy wins after 20 years in the pro peloton
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Lotto-Soudal launch new kit and extend Florian Vermeersch's contract
Red returns with vengeance for Belgian squad
By Adam Becket • Published