Wout van Aert and Rob Peeters are not the only riders that will prepare for the Belgian national championships in Spain. Gianni Vermeersch (Sunweb Napoleon Games) has also decided that he prefers to get ready under the Spanish sun.

"I made the decision to go to Mallorca at the last moment," Vermeersch told Sporza. "When sitting on the rollers after the cross in Baal, I made my choice."

Today Vermeersch left for Mallorca and he will train alone for the next week. It was a deliberate choice. "In Belgium, they have forecasted poor weather. Under the Spanish sun, I can do some endurance training which I hope will improve my condition."

Vermeersch finished in the top 5 in both Loenhout and Baal. The Belgian championships in Erpe-Mere is now a big goal. "Everything will now only be a bonus. The condition couldn't be better but who knows? There may be a few extra percentages in Mallorca."