Ilan van Wilder joined the Soudal – Quick-Step team earlier this year for the Giro d’Italia. His role was to contribute to ensuring that Remco Evenepoel secured the Maglia Rosa. However, that objective didn’t materialize, and it seems he won’t be assisting his fellow Belgian compatriot in the Vuelta a España either.
“I hear this from everyone now: we expected you at the Vuelta. But everyone forgets that I already raced the Giro d’Italia,” said the talented 23-year-old to the Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsbald. “It was only my second Grand Tour, and I can assure you, it was very challenging” (Wilder finished the Giro in 12th place overall).
He believes that being exclusively designated as a luxury domestique for Remco Evenepoel results in underutilizing his skills and poses a hindrance to his potential future development.
“At this moment, I’m not mentally capable of handling the stress of twenty-one consecutive days. However, the Vuelta was never in my program. The team and my coach Koen Pelgrim decided this way,” he explains.
“I’m 23 years old and I have to take it step by step. Two Grand Tours in a year is something for next year or two years from now. I can imagine Remco might think it’s a pity.”
“I’m very young to fully dedicate myself to a career as a domestique. I don’t think it’s arrogant to say that,” continues van Wilder. “Ultimately, as a young cyclist, you always have the ambition to chase your own chance. If later on I realize that I perform better in the helper role, I’ll certainly be willing to give up those personal ambitions.”
