Thomas De Gendt gives up World Championship place due to fatigue
The Belgian's coach believes De Gendt still has the form to win a stage in Spain
Having put himself forward for all three grand tours this season, Thomas De Gendt has chosen to give up his place in the Belgium selection for the UCI Road World Championships at the end of September.
The 32-year-old won stage eight of the Tour de France, and is currently looking ahead at what remains of the Vuelta a España where he finished seventh in the stage 10 individual time trial.
The race concludes on Sunday September 15, with the World Championships road race in Yorkshire on Sunday September 29 and the time trial on the preceding Wednesday.
The Lotto-Soudal rider told Sporza: "I have nothing to look for at the World Championships."
The Belgian's coach, Paul Van Den Bosch told Sporza that it wasn't only the physical toll of three Grand Tours that would prohibit De Gendt from a top performance in Yorkshire, but the mental strength required.
"As far as the World Championships is concerned, there are several facets: can you still cope physically and can you still charge yourself mentally to participate?"
"My conversations with Thomas show that it is not only physically a lot [to ask], but it is also difficult to recharge for another 14-days and then to give the best of himself at the World Championships."
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
>>> The hidden motor in your head: How mind training can make you ride faster
De Gendt's best performance at the Giro d'Italia was third in the stage 21 individual time trial, but Van Den Bosch doesn't see it as a wasted effort.
The coach commented: "For Thomas, his chances of winning lie in those big grand tours and other stage races. He won't shine in one-day races. If he rides the three tours, he immediately has three chances. "
"Riding a tour leads to fitness improvement. Therefore, the Giro may have been a positive factor for his top form in the Tour."
Van Den Bosch certainly didn't rule out another win in Spain
"We have searched for balance and as I now estimate Thomas is not doing badly. He does not feel empty. I do not think he has done too much between the Tour and the Vuelta. We won't know until the end."
Thank you for reading 20 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
Michelle Arthurs-Brennan the Editor of Cycling Weekly website. An NCTJ qualified traditional journalist by trade, Michelle began her career working for local newspapers. She's worked within the cycling industry since 2012, and joined the Cycling Weekly team in 2017, having previously been Editor at Total Women's Cycling. Prior to welcoming her daughter in 2022, Michelle raced on the road, track, and in time trials, and still rides as much as she can - albeit a fair proportion indoors, for now.
-
Ineos Grenadiers’ 500th victory was claimed by a woman, why do they still not have a team?
The British squad is one of the richest in cycling - but Ineos still won’t stump up for a women’s team
By Adam Becket Published
-
Enough already with the F1-inspired pit stops in gravel races: a call for self-sufficiency
The spirit of adventure, resourcefulness and inclusivity is diluted to the point where we risk losing sight of the qualities that made the discipline so unique.
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Annemiek van Vleuten to target Vuelta-Tour-Giro treble again next season
The Dutchwoman plans to retire at the end of 2023
By Tom Davidson Published
-
11 of the best photos from the 2022 Road World Championships
There were tears, hugs and kisses in Wollongong, Australia
By Tom Davidson Last updated
-
Remco Evenepoel goes long to win the men's World Championships road race solo after stinging attack
The young Belgian was clearly the strongest on the day, but others need to ask themselves how and why they let him go
By Jack Elton-Walters Last updated
-
Annemiek van Vleuten soars to victory in World Championships road race despite broken elbow
The Dutch rider took the second road world title of her career with late attack
By Tom Davidson Last updated
-
Zoe Bäckstedt retains junior road race title with stunning solo ride at World Championships
The Welsh rider celebrated her 18th birthday with a 58km solo attack and another rainbow jersey
By Tom Davidson Last updated
-
Julian Alaphilippe says he is 'not the sole leader' for France in the World Championships road race
The Frenchman played down his form in an interview with L'Équipe
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Tobias Foss shocks the favourites to win World Championships time trial
The Norwegian claimed the biggest win of his career, while Filippo Ganna finished in seventh
By Tom Davidson Last updated
-
Ellen van Dijk claims third time trial title at World Championships
The Dutchwoman won by almost 13 seconds ahead of Grace Brown
By Tom Davidson Last updated