ProTeam Last year’s winner Lennert Van Eetvelt looks ahead to UAE Tour: “Just go.”

For those who might not remember, let’s revisit 2024: Van Eetvelt not only triumphed in the final stage on Jebel Hafeet, but he also captured the overall victory in an exciting finish, winning by just a matter of seconds. After several attacks, a nearly complete peloton arrived at the base of the final climb, where Van Eetvelt showcased his talent in the last kilometer. A smart move, especially considering that two stages earlier, he had collected six bonus seconds in a breakaway—seconds that proved crucial on the final day. As a result, Van Eetvelt will pin on the number 1 jersey tomorrow (Monday). “Becoming a professional cyclist was already a big achievement, but winning at the WorldTour level changed a lot for me,” Van Eetvelt reflects on the eve of a new UAE Tour. “It also made me see myself differently as a rider. As for how others see me, I don’t think about that too much (laughs).”

It’s clear that this year, there will be more eyes on him than last year. However, Van Eetvelt is happy to shift the spotlight to world champion Tadej PogaÄar. “I realize that I now have to be part of the race. I can’t just show up at the start- I have to fight for it. But I think everyone expects PogaÄar to stand on the top step of the podium next Sunday. That doesn’t make us any less determined, though. He could always have an off day or not be at his absolute peak yet. We just have to go for it and act as if he isn’t there. That seems like the best mindset to have.”

Team director Mario Aerts fully agrees: “Of course, we’re going to try to win again, even though we know that one clear favorite is also on the start line,” he says. “The situation is a bit different, too. Last year, Lenny had already won in Mallorca before the UAE Tour. Now, he hasn’t raced yet, which makes the question mark even bigger—also for himself. How is his form?”

The UAE Tour features two summit finishes—decisive for the overall victory, Aerts acknowledges. “Stages three and seven, the final one, will be crucial. And then it’s all about limiting losses in the time trial. On top of that, in the UAE, you always have to watch out for crosswinds in the desert. The team is ready; we will race with an open mind.”