As the cycling season kicks off, Lotto Soudal is excited to welcome some fresh faces to their WorldTeam. One of these newcomers is Sébastien Grignard, a 21-year-old Belgian rider who made the leap from the Lotto Soudal U23 team to the pro level. Let’s get to know this young talent from Mons.
“After several years with the Lotto Soudal U23 team, I was of course over the moon that I could turn pro at the WorldTeam,” says Sébastien Grignard. “I think that the already familiar environment facilitates the integration within the team. It is also nice to be surrounded by so many other young riders. It just makes the transition from U23 rider to pro that little bit easier.”
Grignard feels fortunate to be racing with familiar faces. “I know the other neo-pros quite well and I already raced together with guys like Florian Vermeersch or Brent Van Moer.”
During the team’s January training camp in Spain, Grignard had the opportunity to learn from the more experienced riders on the team. “Just like so many others, my interest in cycling was triggered by the Tour de France,” he shares. “To be honest, those first moments training alongside riders like Gilbert, Degenkolb, Wellens, and De Gendt felt quite bizarre because with such palmares, they leave a big impression. But in the end, they are your teammates, and I got used to it quite fast.”
Grignard, known for his time-trialing abilities, is eager to showcase his skills. “I really love time trialing and I also have a weak spot for the Flemish races. I hope to have a little taste of everything, but I think I am more of a ‘rouleur’. For me, the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix are the most beautiful races on the calendar,” he admits.
As he enters his first year as a professional cyclist, Grignard is focusing on adapting to the pro level and gaining experience. “This season will be all about adapting to the pro level and about discovering what racing in the pro peloton exactly entails. I expect a big difference compared to the U23 category, but I really look forward to it. For now, I am not setting any specific goals just yet,” he concludes.
Photo credit: Facepeeters.
