2008 Belgian National Champion dreaming of success in the semi-classics and sprints
It has been more than a little bit of time since Jürgen Roelandts's last victory - his last one came on October 4, 2008 to be exact. The now 25 year old took the third stage of the Circuit Franco-Belge, eventually finishing 3rd overall. His 2008 was a sensational year at only 22 years old - he was also Belgian National Champion.
Since then though, there has been an unfortunate dearth of wins for the Asse native. Roelandts is not perturbed though, understanding that his early displays of huge talent necessitated a leap forward in the quality of races he participated in.
"I know it's starting to be a long time, but it's not because I have lost confidence, on the contrary, I've gained it," said the young Omega Pharma-Lotto fastman to La Derniere Heure. "I've missed the small factor of success and luck in winning. My program has also evolved - I am no longer doing small races."
The issue of luck is one that is anything but a side note for sprinters. For bunch kicks that involve so many different factors outside of one's own leg power, sprinters often live and die by the mischievous shadow of luck. In 2010, Roelandts came almost unbearably close to the Green Jersey at the Tour de France. The neutralized stage to Spa would have been one of his crowing moments and could have move the Belgian within a hair of the Maillot Vert. It's a big if only situation, but it's one that Roelandts isn't forgetting easily.
"I was also rattled to have missed out on the Green Jersey at the start of the Tour de France. If the stage to Spa had not been neutralized, I would have come within a point of the jersey. This remains a very big regret."
As Roelandts improves with age and experience, his luck in the bunch kicks will undoubtedly begin to take a turn for the better. Roelandts has without question shown himself capable of winning in bunch sprints, but it's the Classics that spark his interest. Like any hot-blooded Belgian, he dreams of glory in the Spring over familiar roads. "The Classics are more extraordinary to me," says Roelandts, and they happen to be his main goal heading into 2011.
"I want to move up a notch in events like Het Nieuwsblad and Gent-Wevelgem and race for victory.
Roelandts was at the front of the proceedings in a number of Classics last year, including Het Nieuwsblad and Gent-Wevelgem, but in both cases, he deferred to his superstar teammate, Philippe Gilbert, and it was Gilbert that had the opportunity to go for the win. While Gilbert was not able to take victory in either occasion, there was little question as to who would be the go to rider for Omega Pharma in those situations. It's a decision that Roelandts does not bemoan and recognizes as part of his continued development.
"I readily admit that I exchanged high finishes for racing for a teammate last year."
Still, even while giving precious bullets away to Gilbert, he was able to net 6th place at Gent-Wevelgem - a notable performance.
It was another team minded Roelandts that helped assure victory to Gilbert just this week, when he allowed a crucial small gap to open for Gilbert when he attack in the final 800 meters of the first stage of the Volta ao Algarve.
Looking at the sprints that he is continually a part of, Roelandts notes that he has been close, but has always been bested by a rider just that little bit faster than him. In 2010, that rider was his new teammate, Andre Greipel.
"Last year, if I did not win, it's also the fault of Andre Greipel! In 2010, I finished second to him twice! When he arrived to the training camp, we talked a bit and laughed. Andre is one of the top three sprinters in the world. He is very, very fast. I can learn a lot by his side."
There seems to be little doubt that the talented Flandrian has his head in the right place. While he shot to prominence extremely early, the hard years of development are upon him, but he seems to be more than willing to put in his time to learn and progress to reach the level befitting of his talents. His development seems similar to another young Belgian with a fast finish - Greg Van Avermaet. Van Avermaet also exploded on to the scene early, but has endured a number of dry years. His move to BMC, some strong rides in Oman, and a promising finish at the World Championships last year seem to foretell good times to come. It will be interesting to see what will become of two of Belgium's finest in 2011.