Jasper De Buyst rings the alarm bell regarding the Belgian track scene. "We don’t make any because we also have to focus on the road," says the 21-year-old track and road rider of Lotto Soudal.

In Switzerland, the riders are currently contesting the European Track Championships. Jasper De Buyst - one of the Belgian representatives at the event in Grenchen – plays down the expectations.

"The results at the European Championships are important for a possible participation in the Olympic Games in Rio," De Buyst tells Sporza.

"In the Team Pursuit, there is only a small chance that we will be in Rio. If we are not in the top five, it is over.

"Two years ago we began this project, but we have not made ​​any progress since London, while other countries have closed the gap to the top teams.

"The reason for our lack of progress? It has more to do with the fact that there is no track culture in Belgium. Races on the track attract few spectators and that's understandable. "

"We – the Belgians - can not only focus on the track. Like my teammates, I have a contract on the road to make a living of cycling. In other countries, riders can focus solely on track racing...

"So I had to ride the Vuelta this fall which is very good for my development as a rider. But it's not ideal preparation for the European Championships in track cycling."

In addition to the team pursuit, Jasper De Buyst will be in action in the omnium. "A medal is possible, but I've not had the chance to prepare specifically for these championships.

"The top 16 in the world ranking goes straight to the Olympics and I'm seventh. So I have some room. In any case, it is a good test because all the top omnium riders are here, from Viviani to Olympic champion Lasse Norman Hansen."