22-year-old Liam Slock is set to make his professional cycling debut at GP La Marseillaise. Coming from the Lotto Dstny Development Team, Slock is eager to showcase his skills and learn from experienced riders. In an interview, Slock discusses his expectations, ambitions, and time with the Development Team.
“At the training camp, I immediately noticed that things are much more professional. It is fantastic to train together with experienced pros and I try to learn as much as possible. The riders are also really welcoming towards the new guys, which makes it nice to integrate into the team,” Slock says.
When asked about his expectations for his first year as a professional, Slock says, “The most important thing is to discover what it’s like to race and live like a pro. But I also have the ambition to get a few nice results. Of course, I realize that I will have to work for the team, but I also hope to show myself now and then.”
Describing his riding style, Slock states, “My main strength is to ride fast. I can sustain efforts pretty long and I don’t break easily. I am a real fighter and I’m never giving up. Trying to win stages from the early breakaway, like Brent Van Moer did in the Dauphiné for example, is something that I’d really like to do as well.”
When asked about his favorite race, Slock says, “Paris-Roubaix stands out for me. Due to injuries and Covid, I could unfortunately never participate in the U23 version. Hopefully, that will change quickly at the pros.”
Slock’s pro debut will be at GP La Marseillaise, a challenging race that he expects will be a good test for him. “Personally, I try to limit my own expectations. It will be a case of executing my task for the team to the best of my abilities,” he says.
Reflecting on his time with the Development Team, Slock says, “I was part of the team for two seasons and up till now, it has been the best time out of my career. You get the perfect guidance and the whole team is at a high level, which ensures that you automatically get better.”
Slock also shares a memorable moment from the Tour de Bretagne, where he and his teammate closed a 3’30” gap but ultimately got caught in the final lap. “Nevertheless, it was a nice moment which we still talk about quite often,” he says.
Living in Lochristi, Slock enjoys training in the Flemish Ardennes and the “real” Ardennes, but also appreciates the mild climate and enjoyable training conditions in Calpe, Spain.
Images: Photo News & Facepeeters.
