For 22-year-old Belgian cyclist Viktor Verschaeve, his professional debut at Lotto Soudal has been a long time coming. Delayed by a groin injury, Verschaeve has finally recovered and is set to ride his first race at the Ronde van Limburg. Let’s get to know this talented climber from Brasschaat.
“I am really looking forward to getting racing but it’s also very nerve-racking and exciting…” Verschaeve shares. “I had an operation on my groin in December because of a constricted femoral artery – something that often troubles riders because of a bad cycling position – and after my injury I’ll have to wait and see what my first race as a pro will bring. The operation went smoothly, but I do feel on the bike that it is not perfect yet. I am working hard to let my muscles grow and develop again. We’ll have to wait and see how everything goes, but I’m really looking forward to the race on Monday. I want to build up confidence again. I’m not yet interested in results, I just want to evolve into the rider I want to be.”
Cycling wasn’t initially a family affair for Verschaeve. It was his brothers who encouraged him to switch from athletics to cycling, and he quickly became hooked on his road bike. “The cycling bug wasn’t in our family. At home, we were encouraged to do sports,” he explains. “I noticed that the atmosphere at cycling was much more pleasant, so I quickly made the switch to cycling. At first, my brothers had to drag me to training but I was lucky that many friends in the neighborhood also started cycling… We stimulated each other and we still do that today.”
Verschaeve’s transition to the WorldTeam went smoothly, thanks to his long-time training partner Brent Van Moer. “Because Brent and I have been training together for years, the transfer to the WorldTeam went smoothly,” says Verschaeve. “In the Development Team we often rode with the pros, so we knew more or less what to expect. Of course the transition remains exciting, but the familiar surroundings made the integration within the team a little easier. I already knew a lot of people like Kurt Van de Wouwer and some of the riders. Together with the professional support, it made the transition to the pros really pleasant.”
Despite impressive performances in races like the Tour de Savoie Mont Blanc and the Giro U23, Verschaeve dreams of winning a Walloon Classic. Reflecting on his aspirations, he says, “I would love to win a Walloon classic. It seems even better than a stage in the Giro. I have been racing on Belgian roads for years and winning a race where you know every hill and corner by heart, must be fantastic. Although I am more a rider who performs optimally in good weather conditions. I guess I’ll have to learn to function better in Belgian weather.”
As Viktor Verschaeve sets off on his pro debut at Ronde van Limburg, all eyes will be on this talented young cyclist as he aims to evolve into the rider he wants to be and chase his dreams in the world of professional cycling.
