Cycling: The Alpecin – Deceuninck team has actually been one of the top names in cycling for some time. Nevertheless, they will officially hold WorldTour status for the first time in 2023 - and it's not just because of Mathieu van der Poel.
Alpecin – Deceuninck is more than van der Poel
If we look back a few years, then probably each of us would have used Alpecin – Fenix almost exclusively Mathieu van der Poel tied together. Over the past few seasons, however, many other drivers have excelled alongside the Dutchman. This year in particular has shown that the Belgian team has more to offer than the best crosser in the world. While he won the Tour of Flanders, Across Flanders, the GP de Wallonia and a stage at the Giro d'Italia in 2023, it wasn't his best year. For that they grew Jasper Phillipsen and Tim Merlier beyond themselves. The two Belgian sprinters clinched numerous victories, including stage victories at the Tour de France and the UAE Tour (Philipsen), as well as at Tirreno – Adriatico and Nokere – Koerse (Merlier).
Vine & Merlier are a great loss
Despite the strong sprinter rigids, we were able to observe the greatest development with Jay Vine. The 27-year-old Australian won two stages at the Vuelta a Espana and would almost have won the mountain jersey if he hadn't fallen. The Alpecin – Deceuninck team was able to cause a sensation in the high mountains for the first time. The problem: Jay Vine could not be kept after these performances. He joins UAE Team Emirates. And also the name Tim Merlier appears among the eight departures. He should be replaced by Caden Groves. The Australian is considered a great sprinter talent, but will probably not be able to match Merlier's successes right away. Quinten Hermans should strengthen the squad in the mountains and Soren Kragh Andersen is the perfect man for breakaways on hilly terrain. This leaves Alpecin – Deceuninck a team without a real classification rider, but with strong sprinters and people for the escape groups.
Leave a Comment