Classics threat feels that both Gilbert and Boonen could have a chance on October 3rd
Vacansoleil’s Bjorn Leukemans is aiming at big success over the final months of the season, and is taking a particularly close look at the upcoming World Championships in Australia.
The 33 year old has enjoyed the most successful season of his career in 2010. The rider, who returned from a doping suspension for artificial testosterone in 2009, took an impressive string of results this spring: 2nd at the Dwars door Vlaanderen, 7th at the E3 Prijs, 4th at the Ronde van Vlaanderen, 6th at Paris-Roubaix, and finally a 7th at the Brabantse Pijl to cap off an excellent run.
While satisfied with the first part of his season, Leukemans wants more before he calls it quits for 2010. The former stage winner at the Tour of Belgium recently raced a simulator under the watchful eye of Belgian National Team selector, Carlo Bomans, to get a better idea of what’s waiting for the riders when they head to Australia at the end of September.
“I completed the course in a simulator with Carlo Bomans, and the course promises to be selective. I think of it as a new version of the Brabantse Pijl.”
The native of Deurne, Belgium thinks his homeland has some real possibilities when the Rainbow Stripes go up for grabs in Melbourne on October 3rd.
“If Tom Boonen is fit, he can do well. Cavendish? I think that would be more complicated. He would need to be in very good condition to succeed. Gilbert, however, will find the course ideal.”
While Leukemans feels his main role will be as a support rider if selected, there could still be a chance for him to play his own cards.
“Depending on the circumstances of the race, I might be able to play my own card by attacking in the finale, where I really want to be present.”
Looking past the World Championships, the Classics threat claims to have positive feelings about the recent signing of Stijn Devolder, even noting that the two could form a dynamic duo.
“I feel good about this team. I am not against the idea of being in a position to have two leaders. It can even be a great advantage to have two in the final of a race.”
Right after saying that though, Leukemans confesses a desire to return to the team that gave him his start at the highest level, the team now known as Omega Pharma-Lotto.
“I am still under contract for next year, and while I would like to team up with Gilbert, with whom I get along very well, there is still some tension for me to go home to Lotto.”
While Leukemans has dreams of returning to the team that gave him his start, it looks more likely that he’ll be teaming up with Stijn Devolder come April 2011. If both riders are on good form, they won’t be favorites, but they’ll certainly be in with a chance to upset the domination of the world’s two best Classics riders, Fabian Cancellara and Tom Boonen.