Campenaerts hopes to play a key role again in Grand Tours for Vingegaard
# Campenaerts Poised for Impact in Grand Tours Supporting Vingegaard
Victor Campenaerts is gearing up for an exciting season, ready to step up his game as a valuable team player in the upcoming Grand Tours. “I was really happy to return to the team,” the Belgian cyclist expressed as he reflected on his rejoining the Dutch squad after departing in 2017. His strong bond with former coach Mathieu Heijboer facilitated this transition. “When my ambitions changed and I wanted to be part of a team competing for victory in a Grand Tour, I reached out to him, and from that moment on, everything went smoothly.”
Despite his familiar ties with the team, Campenaerts faced a period of adjustment. “I knew almost all the staff from my previous time with the team, but most of the riders were new to me,” he recalled. His experience at Paris-Nice, where he won alongside teammates who would compete in the Tour de France, allowed him to integrate quickly. “By the time the Tour came around, I felt completely at home,” he added.
The Tour de France proved to be a significant highlight for the 34-year-old. “On stage four, I realized I was really in top form,” Campenaerts noted. His confidence soared when Head of Racing Grischa Niermann encouraged him to take the lead at a critical point in the finale, which he successfully executed.
What resonated with Campenaerts was not just his individual success, but the team’s cohesion. “It was also fantastic to ride in a team where everyone fulfilled their roles so well. There’s an incredible feeling in riding as a unit and knowing you have the race under control. I can enjoy that fully in the moment. It’s simply amazing to be able to support someone like Jonas Vingegaard in the biggest races in the world,” he shared.
Reflecting on his performances, Campenaerts admitted, “I think my performances surprised a lot of people, but above all, they surprised me.” The motivation that stemmed from the team’s trust fueled his success on climbs, motivating him to push past physical limits.
Looking ahead, Campenaerts aims to leverage his impressive past season in the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France. “I’ll be riding…aiming to support Jonas and the team as best as I can. I’ve never completed this combination before, and it will be an exciting challenge, but I believe that with the right preparation, I can show my best in both Grand Tours,” he concluded.
As his season unfolds, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Campenaerts as he seeks to play a crucial role in Vingegaard’s pursuits.
