Bert De Waele (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) has been selected by Carlo Bomans as the 9th rider for Belgium’s selection for the World Championships on September 27th in Mendrisio, Switzerland. Classic specialist and double Ronde van Vlaanderen winner, Stijn Devolder (Quick-Step) was left off the roster.
De Waele, 34, was more than satisfied with his first ever selection after a strong year that saw him win stage four of the Tour of Belgium. “Of course, I’m extremely happy. Not only for myself, but also for my team Landbouwkrediet, who can finally send a rider to the World Championships,” said the Belgian. “I know my job inside the Belgian team and that is to work for captain Philippe Gilbert. That it took so long for me to be named to the selection? For the national director it’s never easy to put nine names down on paper. I can’t deny that I’d be upset if I was a reserve, but now that my name is under the nine headed for Mendrisio I’m extremely satisfied.”
Bomans also disappointed Johan Vansummeren, he was hoping he’d receive a ticket to Medrisio. “I was hoping to be in the first selection” the lanky Belgian said. “Last week I even went to Italy for the climbs. This is very disappointing, but I will not argue with the national director’s decision. Bomans is boss. I hope he doesn’t regret his decision.”
Elite Men:
Tom Boonen
Francis De Greef
Bert De Waele
Kevin De Weert
Philippe Gilbert
Maxime Monfort
Nick Nuyens
Greg Van Avermaet
Maarten Wynants