Alec Segaert was already European time trial champion with the promises and had the secret ambition to also become world champion in that discipline. He did an excellent job, but ran into a strong Norwegian three years older.
“I got off to a fantastic start, didn’t really feel anything and suddenly I had the
first interim. After that it was more a matter of controlling myself a bit
keep not to be silly.”
“My brother (who is Alec’s trainer) prepared a perfect pacing plan in advance. I tried to follow that, but it’s hard not to go over your head at the beginning of a time trial like this.”
“When I got through the second lap I had about the same time as Waerenskjold, but I knew he had put in a very strong second lap, so I already realized it was going to be difficult. Finishing second behind such a bear is certain pretty.”
Segaert is still only a freshman and will therefore get another chance next year. “I’m looking forward to that,” he says. “Last year I was third, this year second, then you know…”
The civil engineer student will continue to mature in the promising peloton for another year and then transfer to the Lotto professional team in 2024. That choice is very conscious, says Segaert. “Lotto has supported me in everything this year. I am very satisfied with that. The team is also very ambitious. And the fact that it is a Belgian team is of course a
benefit.”
“I noticed at the training camp with the pros that the atmosphere is good. Some of those men have even sent me encouragements for this World Cup, which is good,” Segaert concludes.
The other Belgian participant Lennert Van Eetvelt had to settle for 14th place. He was less satisfied with his performance.
“It didn’t go as expected. I didn’t have the legs I hoped I would, but I kind of saw it coming. It was a difficult course: up and down, twisting and turning. You can meet yourself here and that happened with me.”
“I didn’t come close to my own level. That’s a shame, especially in a world championship. But we now move on to Friday and I hope to show something there.”
Source: Sporza
