Giro 2024: Which Belgian riders are among the favourites?

This year, 14 Belgian riders have lined up for the start of the Giro 2024. But the ambitions lie mainly with Merlier and Uijtdebroeks, even if the departure of the former already makes things complicated. (modified image © Nico Vereecken/Photo News)

A year ago, the Giro d'Italia had a great Belgian favourite: Remco Evenepoel. And he didn't disappoint, winning the first two time trials and taking the pink jersey on both occasions. But a positive test for Covid meant the rider was forced to retire.

This year, the Belgian colony is less demonstrative, but it is ambitious, even in the absence of Wout van Aert who is still reluctant to start the Tour de France. Among the Belgians who are really racing, we should mention Cian Uijtdebroeks, who is clearly aiming for a place in the top 10, as he already has plenty of experience and, at 21, can dream of taking the jersey of the best young hopeful since Tadej Pogačar can no longer compete in the under-25 category. Uijtdebroeks is also supported by Wout van Aert, so his team, Visma Lease, is not putting any pressure on him despite the crashes of Vingegaard and Van Aert and the illness of Laporte.

Merlier, maybe?

Tim Merlier was a good hope for the Soudal team at the start of this Giro. He is a man of rare consistency, but it has to be said that luck hasn't smiled on him since the start, with him in 148th place more than 24 minutes behind the race leaders led by Pogačar. Uijtdebroeks is in 7th place, 30 seconds behind the leader. So Uijtdebroeks remains perfectly focused on his objectives, which bodes well for the rest of the race. Mauri Vansevenant of the Soudal-Quick Step team also finished a fine 15th. These two Belgians are currently the best hopefuls for this Giro 2024.