For much of the transfer market, by Albert Withen Philipsen there was no talk. It's true that he's only 17, it's true that another junior year awaits him. (even though in 2022 he had already competed several times with higher category athletes), but we are still talking about the world champion. Rather, of the all-conquering champion, the one who triumphs on the road as in mountain biking and in cyclocross.
The silence surrounding his future had a very specific reason, because A battle is being fought between all the main WorldTour teams around this talent., ready to do crazy things to hire him. Philipsen himself admits it, ready to tell the story of the "post-Glasgow" era.
«Everyone has contacted me – he says – but at the moment I haven't made any decision. I know that in the newspapers they say that Bora Hansgrohe e Lidl Trek they are now at an advantage over the other teams, but in reality I have not decided anything and for next year I am focused on staying in the my team and to do my best. We'll talk about it at the end of 2024."
Of the two world titles you won in Glasgow, which was the more difficult?
I think the path was the most complicated, because I have less experience. Let's say it's still a pretty new game for me and, as far as tactics are concerned, I still have a lot to learn. That result surprised me too, because I know I can do much better.
Is that why you prefer off-road to street racing?
I've actually changed my mind a bit since Glasgow. When I started this year, my main priority was mountain biking or off-roading in general. But over the year I've been focusing more and more on the road and I've decided that next year my main goal will be to progress in this specialty. See how far I can go even if I don't give up mountain biking.
Right after your victory in Glasgow, you said you still had a lot to learn about road cycling: what in particular?
I think about the group driving dynamics: it's not something natural, it's acquired with practice and I've had little of it. I ran the World Championships with this handicap in mind. I definitely have a lot to learn, as well as on knowing how to read the race, so as not to use all your energy at the wrong times and to be more strategic. So that's one of my big focuses for the next year.
What kind of road racer are you? What are your favorite races?
I'm actually still trying to figure it out, and that's also why I think choosing a team now is premature, both for me and for them. I'm a bit of a jack-of-all-trades right now, so I can do well on the flats, but I can also do mountain stages and I can also do good time trialsI'm kind of in the middle and haven't yet decided what kind of cyclist I dream of being. I hope to understand it a little better next year, but it will probably take years.
How much did your family influence your passion for cycling?
My family is an important part of it. I've always received a lot of support from my parents. It's truly a team effort.You can't do this sport alone, and it takes a lot of energy and time. My family's support is essential.
Who are your favorite riders?
I love people like me who mix various disciplines, so I like them a lot VDP, Van Aert, PidcockI don't have a favorite among them. If I had to choose a rider who only rides, my favorite is Pogacar, has a unique way of running.
Do you think you have a better future in road cycling or mountain biking?
In road cycling – Philipsen replies dryly – I think this is the direction I'm going in now. My goal, however, is to continue mixing disciplines, because doing so continues to keep this sport interesting for me.
Will we see you more on the road or on mountain bikes in 2024?
I think that I will increase the percentage of road races by doing all kinds of races, at least 70 percent of my calendar will be there and the rest on a mountain bike. My main focus will be on the road, but I'll continue to mix it up.
Will we see you in cross-country this season, especially at the World Championships?
Yes, I've actually already done two cyclocross races this year, right at the start of the season, and I won them. Right now I'm taking a break from racing, focusing only on training. And then I'll be back to cyclocross again at the end of December, with some useful races to get me in top shape for the world championships. Being the first to win all three world titles in succession is a project that really excites me…
