In the world of professional cycling, the strategic allocation of roles and responsibilities is a delicate art. Victor Campenaerts, a seasoned Belgian rider, has found himself in a unique position with Team Visma | Lease a Bike. The team's decision to remove the classics from his schedule in 2026 highlights the evolving nature of his role, shifting from a former time trial and breakaway specialist to a key domestique for Jonas Vingegaard.
Campenaerts' transition to a domestique role has been seamless. His experience, positioning skills, and powerful engine make him an invaluable asset to Vingegaard, especially in the tense moments of racing away from the mountains. The collaboration between the two has been so successful that it has extended beyond the classics, with Campenaerts even adding the Vuelta a España to his calendar to support Vingegaard's overall win.
What makes Campenaerts' role particularly fascinating is his ability to adapt to different racing conditions. While he has found his best-ever level in the mountains, his daily vlogs have also proven to be a motivational force within the team. His physical stature and bike-swapping skills further solidify his importance in the team's success.
However, the article delves into a deeper question: why has Campenaerts chosen to step away from the classics? The answer lies in his personal experiences and the challenges these races present. Crashes, mechanical issues, and the presence of dominant riders like Tadej Pogacar and Mathieu van der Poel make the classics less tactical and more chaotic. Campenaerts admits that he lost confidence in these races, driving home with a bag of ice pressed against his forehead after each classic.
In contrast, his collaboration with Wout Van Aert in multi-day races has been a source of euphoria. Campenaerts believes that his role as a domestique is more effective and less stressful, allowing him to contribute to the team's success without the added pressure of the classics. This shift in focus highlights the importance of adapting to the team's needs and finding one's niche in the ever-evolving landscape of professional cycling.
In conclusion, Victor Campenaerts' journey with Team Visma | Lease a Bike showcases the art of role adaptation in professional cycling. His seamless transition from a specialist to a domestique demonstrates the value of versatility and the importance of finding one's place in the team's strategy. As the sport continues to evolve, riders like Campenaerts will play a crucial role in shaping the future of cycling, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
