Patrick Lefevere criticizes riders declining World Championship selections

Former cycling team manager Patrick Lefevere has criticized the current trend of professional riders declining selections for the upcoming World Championships in Canada. Writing in his weekly column for Het Nieuwsblad, Lefevere expressed disbelief at the modern shift in attitude, noting that riders previously eagerly awaited selection news.

Lefevere highlighted several Belgian riders, including Tim Wellens, Florian Vermeersch, and Ilan Van Wilder, who have reportedly declined the honor. He suggested that some riders from UAE Team Emirates might be prioritizing club interests over national duties to avoid competing against teammates like Tadej Pogacar.

He noted that this is not exclusively a Belgian issue, pointing to the Dutch national team selection. He observed that prominent names such as Wilco Kelderman, Dylan van Baarle, and Thymen Arensman are missing from the squad surrounding Mathieu van der Poel.