Tiesj Benoot is part of a very talented young wave of Belgian cyclists coming into the pro ranks, along with Jasper De Buyst, Sean de Bie, Louis Vervaeke and Dylan Teuns. The 20 year old has penned a deal with Lotto-Soudal for the next two years and he sat down with Ciclismo Internacional to give some more information about himself.

“I started with cycling when I was 11 years old. I wanted to do it already long before, but my parents didn’t agree. I think I have the same qualities as Greg Van Avermaet, but on a lower level. I just love the sport and I am very ambitious in everything I do.”

When asked what type of rider he sees himself as, he doesn’t hesistate to say “allrounder/puncheur.” He is honest saying that when he is on form he can do a good time trial, but it is his biggest development need, and he likes the heroics of racing on cobbles.

Benoot was just off the U23 Worlds Podium in fourth, something he took immense pride in considering how difficult the race was.

“I think we did a perfect race with the national team. Just the final was a bit hectic. I think when I can save more energy, when moving up in the wind (I had to do it on my own). It will let me start my sprint in a better position, then the podium is possible. But the team did a good job! A good lead-out in such a big race is very difficult.”

He also recently completed his first Classic, Paris-Tours, where he rode for third place finisher Jens Debusschere, yet he still finished sixteenth, an impressive result.

“It was my first race of 240K so I didn’t know what to expect. It was in my favour that it started raining, it’s something I like. I was lucky I just moved up before the big crash, at the roundabout, took place (at 16k from the finish I think). From there on I was around 5th position, in the wheel of John Degenkolb. So I was in the perfect position for the last little hills, but I was still surprised I could follow the ‘big guys’ like Vanmarcke, Van Avermaet, Degenkolb,.. But Voeckler and Wallays were also strong and the collaboration in our group was not good so we got caught with 2k to go, I think. But I think I can be happy with my performance there.”

And as for the extra distance that comes with riding a Classic like Paris-Tours?

“I had no problems with it! But during the race there were no echelons, so that it made it a bit more ‘easy’.” This confidence bodes well for a successful Classics career for Benoot, who says he loves all the Classics.

“I don’t have 1 favourite race in particular. I just like all the classics of the spring like Ronde Van Vlaanderen, Liege-Bastogne-Liege, Paris-Roubaix. But when I really have to choose 1 race, I think I would go for the Ronde. I grew up with this race and also the special atmosphere around the race is something I like.”

Benoot has set very modest targets for his first full year as a professional, where he wants to just develop and help his teammates.

“(I want to) Do my job for the team and from time to time showing something from myself. I think it’s possible in the small races. The guys I raced with are all very friendly and helpful. I always try to listen well and learn from them.”

And what is the youngster looking forward too most in his debut year?

“Everything! Professional assistance, doing big races with a lot of crowd, just living the life of a pro cyclist!”

A big future no doubt awaits this young Belgian and he is a name to remember.