Stijn Devolder recently managed a feat that not even the great Eddy Merckx can lay claim to: the National Chapionship Road and Time Trial double. Following his second national championship of 2010, the two-time Tour of Flanders winner is looking toward the World Championships in Australia. He was officially selected as the replacement for Maxime Monfort, who recently turned down his selection.
"I am ambitious for the World Championships. Otherwise, I would not spend 24 hours on an airplane. If I can go to the World Championships with the same form I had for the Belgian Championships, I think I can fare well," said the newly crowned Belgian time trial champion to Sporza.
While the time trial will be Devolder's main focus, it looks likely that he can count on a spot on the Belgian team for the road race to round out his trip to Australia.
"Chances are that I will do the road race as well."
Devolder has made a career of playing the quiet second man to a superstar teammate. He looks to be in a familiar role if selected to race on October 3rd.
"Gilbert is the absolute leader. I will be there to support him. We will have a very strong team for the World Championships. We can certainly win a World Championship with our team."
Maxime Monfort recently turned down his ticket to Worlds, because of his non-selection to both the Vuelta and the Tour of Britain. Monfort contends that the Vuelta, or at the bare minimum, the Tour of Britain, are imperative to finding appropriate form. Devolder, however, is not of the same opinion. In fact, he gave up his spot on the QuickStep team to race the Eneco Tour.
"I would not be the first to race Worlds without using the Vuelta as preparation. This year, I have done a lot of races. I am not suffering from a lack of competition."
Looking ahead to 2011, Devolder heads to the Dutch, Vacansoleil team, but he regrets leaving the team that saw him to his biggest triumphs.
"I regret that QuickStep no longer believed in me 100%. I was happy with the team, but with Vacansoleil, I can now be a part of a very ambitious team."
Devolder is a top favorite for the overall victory at the currently running Eneco Tour. Friday's third stage is tailor made for the Flandrian. It's a 17 climb bash through the heart of the Flemish Ardennes. It's certainly familiar ground for the 2008 and 2009 winner of the Ronde van Vlaanderen.