We had let him get attacked with ferocity and determination on the ramps of the Colle della Fauniera at last year's Giro d'Italia U23. This young Belgian had left everyone behind, even the big favorite Lenny Martinez. Who was he? Lennert Van Eetvelt, now pro' with the team that launched him, the Lotto-Dstny.
Marino Amadori He had told us that he would be a tough climber for that Giro and so he was. That feat earned the 2001-born rider the final podium of the Giro d'Italia behind Leo Hayter. Today, Lennert is a pro who's making his way. And doing well, too. He's already bagged three races. and won the young rider classification in races like the Sibiu Tour that are no longer “short races”.
Among the greats
But his season isn't over. Indeed, the highlight is yet to come, and as with many young players, including his own rival Martinez, for him the Return: the first major Giro of his career.
"It's my first season as a pro," Lennert said. "I'm doing well, I'm very happy with this situation. All in all, I feel ready. I've adapted quite well, even though there's a big difference between the two categories—under-23s and pros. Everyone here is very strong, and not just in terms of their legs, but also in the group. My biggest difficulty was getting into positions in the group. Everyone is dropping, dropping... Among the under 15s, you just have to pedal hard and go. Here, it's not that easy."
And even when it comes to managing effort, things are apparently different. In Poland, for example, at the end of the second stage, he followed Majka uphill. He had done it with a certain swagger, strengthened by the good feelings of the Sibiu Tour and the work blocks before this race.
He himself had spoken of high-intensity 5-minute sessions, of an annual total of hours that has been growing for a few years now, but by his own admission, in relation to that stage, he later said he overestimated himself and that that final kilometer had become a sort of ordeal. Youthful mistakes.
In Spain
Al Tour of Poland He finished 15th. Among his former classmates, he was beaten by Oscar Onley and Lenny Martinez himself, but the three were covered in just 22 seconds.
«Now – continues Van Eetvelt – I'll go to the Vuelta. That's the big goal.We'll see how it goes. I'm curious about the three weeks. I know it will be very, very difficult, not only physically but also mentally.
"It will be a test, an important test that will tell me a lot. I want to do it to the best of my ability. But I'm not going there just for the future. I want to do something good right away.». And here the character of the champion emerges, who doesn't care about age and experience.
This season had started off great for Van Eetvelt, with two podiums in the very first races, but then the witches arrived. A nasal spray had put him in the shadow of an alleged doping case between Flèche and Liège. He was even suspended from his team, only to be reinstated a couple of weeks later after the matter was resolved with no further charges.
In this way the Belgian was able to continue his season, or rather his career, one could easily say.
Young riders line
Van Eetvelt has been up in Andorra with the team these days and this really pumps him up, considering he hasn't done this altitude very often so far.
«It will be fantastic – says the Belgian – I remember last year I went there before l'Avenir. I hope to continue to do a great job. Overall, I see that every year I'm doing better, I feel stronger.". Among other things, Lennert, even though he comes from Belgium where there are neither long climbs nor mountains, has an excellent feeling both with altitude and with big climbs.
Above 2.000 meters, he performs exceptionally well. He won on Fauniera, at over 2.500 meters, and repeated the feat in Sibiu, again with a finish over 2.000 meters. And he climbed by continually getting up and pushing back on the pedals, just like real climbers do (or did).
But a young rider who arrives in the WorldTour, no matter how strong he is, always seeks support. And more or less indirectly, Van Eetvelt has not escaped this dynamic. Except that His brood is a bit unusual. He's not a super-experienced athlete.
«True – Lennert smiles – Andrew Kron He's the one who gives me the most advice. He's like a mentor to me. He's only 24 and already a strong rider, good at everything (maybe because they're young they speak the same language, ed.). It's fantastic to have him on the team. But I have to say that a lot of people give me advice."
