# Arnaud De Lie Sets His Sights on Bigger Wins in 2023
Arnaud De Lie made waves in the cycling world during the 2022 season, securing an impressive nine victories in his debut year as a professional. Despite achieving such a remarkable feat, the 21-year-old maintains his cheerful demeanor and approachability, reflecting on his journey from Lotto Dstny’s Development team in 2021 to his current status.
Reflecting on his breakthrough year, De Lie stated, “It has been a great experience for me. I think having a first season like I did, is just extraordinary. Already in my third race I was able to win. That has given me a lot of confidence for the rest of the season.”
When discussing the lessons learned from his inaugural season, De Lie emphasized the difference between viewing races on television and participating in them firsthand. “A lot of things. Watching a race on TV is not necessarily the same as when you live it in reality,” he explained, citing challenging races like Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne and Gent-Wevelgem as pivotal learning experiences. “I have done a recon of both races already, so I am well prepared to take my revenge.”
As the winter months passed, De Lie remained largely in Belgium and reported a successful training period, stating, “It was a nice winter, actually. I have learned a lot again and am already seeing the results.” His dedication is evident, as he is eager to tackle upcoming challenges and improve upon his 2022 performance.
For 2023, De Lie has ambitious goals, expressing a desire to win races at a higher level rather than focusing solely on quantity. “I do not necessarily want to win more than in 2022, but I do want to win races of a higher level,” he remarked. “I am talking about Gent-Wevelgem and Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne a lot.”
With new trainers, a dietician, and a collaboration with the University of Ghent, De Lie is keen on capitalizing on every detail to enhance his performance. “We are already seeing the difference,” he commented, highlighting the importance of meticulous preparation in professional cycling.
Looking ahead, De Lie expressed excitement about racing in prestigious events such as Milano-Sanremo. “I think it can be both a real goal and a learning experience,” he said, adding that his partnership with teammate Caleb Ewan could yield promising results.
As for upcoming challenges like Paris-Nice—his first WorldTour stage race—De Lie aims to secure at least one stage victory to boost his confidence. “In a sprint everything is possible,” he noted, reinforcing his determination and readiness to compete at higher levels.
Without immediate plans for grand tours, De Lie recognizes the importance of gradual progression in his career. “I think I still have enough time to discover a grand tour in 2024,” he asserted.
In summary, De Lie’s focus for the 2023 season is clear: to prove himself in critical classics and achieve significant victories. “When I am able to prove myself in the finals of WorldTour or ProSeries classics like Gent-Wevelgem or Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne, that will be a success for me,” he concluded.
As the cycling community eagerly anticipates his next moves, one thing is certain—Arnaud De Lie continues to be a name to watch in the realm of professional cycling.
