# Liam Slock Prepares for Pro Debut: “I Am a Rouleur”
Liam Slock, the 22-year-old cyclist from Lochristi, Belgium, is set to make his professional debut at the GP La Marseillaise, a significant milestone as he transitions from the Lotto Dstny Development Team alongside teammate Lennert Van Eetvelt. With a focus on expectations and ambitions, Slock reflects on his journey so far.
Having recently completed his first training camp with the Lotto Dstny ProTeam, Slock expressed his excitement about the professional environment. He stated, “At the training camp, I immediately noticed that things are much more professional. At the U23 category, you also train hard and a lot, but as a pro you are expected to follow your schemes a bit more strict. It is fantastic to train together with experienced pros and I try to learn as much as possible.”
As he looks forward to his first year as a professional, Slock emphasizes the importance of acclimatizing to the racing lifestyle. “The most important thing is to discover what it’s like to race and live like a pro. But I also have the ambition to get a few nice results,” he noted. He understands the necessity of teamwork but is eager to showcase his skills when possible.
Slock’s strengths as a cyclist lie in his endurance and determination. “My main strength is to ride fast. I can sustain efforts pretty long and I don’t break easily. I am a real fighter and I’m never giving up,” he mentioned. Inspired by the success of fellow cyclists, he aspires to pull off early breakaway wins, akin to Brent Van Moer in the Dauphiné, while preparing to develop step by step.
The young rider has a particular fondness for Paris-Roubaix, despite the common preference among Belgians for the Ronde van Vlaanderen. “As a Belgian, I should probably say the Ronde van Vlaanderen, but still the cobbles of Roubaix stand out for me,” he said. Due to previous injuries and the pandemic, he has yet to compete in the U23 version of the race, hoping to change that soon.
As for his upcoming debut race, Slock acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead. “Yes, it is immediately a hard race and it will hurt for sure. It will be a good first test to see where I’m at and which areas I still need to improve in. Personally, I try to limit my own expectations,” he commented. He is ready to support the team’s strong lineup alongside accomplished riders like Arnaud.
Reflecting on his time with the Development Team, Slock expressed gratitude for the guidance and camaraderie experienced during his two seasons. “It has been the best time out of my career. You get the perfect guidance and the whole team is at a high level, which ensures that you automatically get better.”
When reminiscing about his best memory, he recalled an intense stage during the Tour de Bretagne, where a late push to join the early breakaway did not result in victory but remained a cherished experience. “We succeeded, but it was all in vain because we got caught again in the final lap. Nevertheless, it was a nice moment which we still talk about quite often,” he shared.
Slock enjoys training in the Flemish Ardennes but has a preference for the tougher climbs found in the “real” Ardennes or the pleasant climate around Calpe, Spain, where he finds training more enjoyable.
With anticipation building for his Pro debut, Slock exudes passion for his sport, ready to embrace the challenges and excitement that lie in front of him.
