# Brent Van Moer Reflects on a Year of Triumphs and Trials: “My First Professional Victory Was a Magical Moment”
Brent Van Moer of Lotto Soudal has navigated a rollercoaster second season in professional cycling, filled with high points and unfortunate setbacks. The 23-year-old Belgian cyclist openly shares his experiences from the past year, emphasizing both the victories that shaped his career and the challenges he faced.
“It has been a very nice year,” Van Moer begins. He recalls his early-season performance, stating, “When I look back on it, that second place in the penultimate stage of Tirreno-Adriatico was actually the start of a successful season. Of course, it was a pity to come so close to my first pro victory there, but competing for the win at WorldTour level really gave me an incredible kick and provided me with the necessary confidence for the rest of the season.”
Initially intended to support teammate Caleb Ewan, Van Moer found himself racing independently after Ewan’s untimely withdrawal. “At Tirreno-Adriatico, I was supposed to ride at the service of Caleb Ewan, but because Caleb abandoned the race, I got the chance to show myself in breakaways. And that worked out pretty well,” he explains. The bitterness of narrowly missing his debut victory spurred him on for the remainder of the season.
Despite facing disappointments in the Classics and taking some time to recover, Van Moer returned to competition fueled with determination. Reflecting on his comeback, he notes, “After a long period of rest and a good altitude camp, I returned to competition at the Ronde van Limburg… After the race, I was really disappointed, but soon that feeling was replaced by confidence, because I really felt great that day.”
The turning point of his season came at the Critérium du Dauphiné, where everything fell into place for him. “Fifteen minutes before the start, I was already all set and ready to go; my teammates even made fun of me. But I guess I surprised them, because all the pieces of the puzzle fell into place that day,” he shares. The victorious moment, marked by capturing his first professional win, remains etched in his memory: “That first professional victory was just magical. The yellow jersey and the little lion on top of that just made it that extra bit special. It has without a doubt been the highlight of my season.”
Van Moer also basked in the glory of his first Tour de France. “When I heard that I had been selected, it felt like a dream come true,” he recalls, detailing the exhilarating experience of racing the famed double ascent of Mont Ventoux. “I am really grateful to the team that I got the chance to go. I really showed myself, I almost won a stage and finished the Tour with very good sensations.”
As the season drew to a close, Van Moer faced unexpected challenges, including a crash during training. “Many considered 2021 as my breakthrough year… Of course, this brings additional expectations for next year,” he muses. Yet, he remains optimistic: “I’ve gained a lot of confidence and I definitely want to show something in the Classics next year.”
Amid the trials and triumphs, Van Moer expresses excitement for the future, highlighting his team’s camaraderie and potential. “With a strong team for the Classics, everyone is looking forward to next season… I am convinced that we can show some great things next season,” he concludes, reaffirming his resolve to build on the successes of this year.
As Brent Van Moer gears up for another season, his journey serves as an inspiring reminder of resilience and the relentless pursuit of greatness in the face of adversity.
