Merijn Zeeman slams critics of Wout van Aert and Christophe Laporte - 'Belgium should pay more attention to its stars'
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Updated 28/03/2023 at 15:26 GMT
Team Jumbo-Visma sport director Merijn Zeeman spoke to Eurosport France about the controversial end to the race at Gent-Wevelgem on Sunday, and questioned the relationship which Belgian sport fans have with their country's top athletes. His remarks come after Wout van Aert was criticised for letting team-mate Christophe Laporte cross the line first.
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Team Jumbo-Visma sport director Merijn Zeeman has launched a passionate defence of Wout van Aert and Christophe Laporte after Sunday’s race at Gent-Wevelgem.
The duo stormed clear on the penultimate ascent of the Kemmelberg and held an incredible two-minute advantage over the chasing pack.
Van Aert, who was victorious in the E3 Saxo Classic on Friday, allowed his team-mate to cross the line first. The decision has been greeted with plenty of criticism, which Zeeman believes is unjust.
He told Eurosport France: “Everyone has the right to give their opinion about this, but maybe it is better that some people try to understand why we do things the way we do in our team instead of always giving their opinion.
“I think Belgium should pay more attention to its stars and athletes in general. It's a bit strange the way they treat, not only Wout but also the national football team, or other very good riders. Maybe it would be better to learn from their success.
“Remco Evenepoel also has a lot of critics in Belgium, and I think he is more respected outside Belgium. They should ask themselves how they live with their superstars in sport. They don't do it in the best way."
Van Aert explained his reasoning behind the decision to allow Laporte to cross the line first, and said: "I won on Friday [E3 Saxo Classic] and I have my sights set on the races to come. Christophe also had a difficult start to the season due to illness. He is such a team player that it was an easy decision.”
Among the critics were legendary former Belgian rider Eddy Merckx, who admits he would not have done the same thing in that situation.
Asked if he was surprised at his compatriot's decision, Merckx told Sporza: “Yes and no.
"I bet 1,000 euros with my son that Laporte will win… It's his choice to let a team-mate win, but I wouldn't have done it."
He added: "Of course, I don't know what's going on within the team.
"Wout van Aert was by far the best, you saw that on the Kemmel. He could write history by winning Harelbeke [E3], Wevelgem and the Tour of Flanders."
All eyes are now on the next road race at the Tour of Flanders on Sunday, with Van Aert among the favourites that also included Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogacar.
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