Mettepenningen wants to see successful action in Superprestige Hamme-Zogge
Jurgen Mettepenningen, the manager of the Belgian Sunweb-Revor cyclocross team, is getting quite irritated with his team for its lackluster performances in the season so far. The ambitious goal of 50 podium placings is far from certain, after a lull in the October and November races for the squad.
Mettepenningen is tired of not seeing good placings by his riders in the biggest races in the cyclocross series. “It was back on October 3 that we had a podium spot, with Klaas Vantornout, in a serious competition,” Mettepenningen told Het Nieuwsblad. He makes it quite clear that the Superprestige has to be a turn-around. “I can’t take that any longer. Sunday I want to see my team contending.”
Mettepenningen is quite serious about his statements. “I am running out of patience,” he said. “If they don’t do anything once again, than I will have to clean up a little bit.”
Fidea rider Kevin Pauwels has already signed for Sunweb-Revor for next season. Zdenek Stybar, whose Fidea contract is running out in February, has also been rumored to join the team, but chances look less likely. “Yesterday I was in touch with Paul De Geyter, the manager of Stybar,” Mettepenningen said. “We offer a three-year contract, but we stick with our financial offer. And I think the chance that Stybar chooses for this price is really small.”
No matter what the outcome of the race is, a serious talk is already planned. “Monday I will sit together with sports director Mario De Clercq to evaluate the whole team.”
Besides the expected podium placings, Mettepenningen had said before the season that he also would like to either win the Belgian or World Championships