Nathan Haas, despite a disappointing season by his Australian teammate Michael Matthews (opens in new tab) by his usual high standards, believes that the UCI Road World Championships in Belgium on Sunday, September 26 (opens in new tab) He believes that he can do "something great" at the event.

Matthews has come close to winning several times this year with Team Bike Exchange (opens in new tab), but has fallen short of victory.

The Belgian course suits his riding style, and Haas is rooting for the team leader.

"I've known Bling since we were kids and have been with the same coach since we were 15. We used to train together in the garage during the winter and there's a reason why his nickname is 'Bling', amazing things always happen," Haas told Cycling News on his way to the Plymouth Classic in Belgium.

The men's road race falls on Matthews' 31st birthday, and Haas believes there is an element of fate involved, given his near-miss in 2021.

"He can rise to the occasion. Maybe it's wishful thinking, but maybe the fact that results have been hard to come by during this season is to create a narrative of maximum results for him. Cycling is like that sometimes. Take a look at Michael Valgren. He hadn't won a race in over three years, and then he wins two in one week."

Haas, who will support Matthews in Flanders, will be representing Australia in the men's elite road race at the World Championships for the second time, having only competed in Yorkshire two years ago. His season with Cofidis has been relatively quiet, but he has been a teammate and domestique throughout the season. His qualities have caught the attention of the road coaches, and Haas is eager to reciprocate their support and trust.

"To be honest, I was pretty thrilled to be selected for the team," Haas said. 'It could have gone either way, the year I wasn't selected or the year I was selected. This year I am honored to be recognized for my experience and not necessarily for my performance in the season. I was thrilled that Cycling Australia saw my career in that light."

Haas' exact role on the team has yet to be determined, but he will likely support Matthews and sprinter Caleb Yuan early in the men's race, stepping in and possibly marking them before the leading riders come to the front.

"I don't think the role of road captain applies to modern cycling any longer. He explained, "The leaders are so much smarter now, and the younger riders have us by the balls, but if anyone could fill that role in an unofficial capacity, it would be Luke Durbridge."

"He's been on every team for as long as I can remember and he's great at bringing teams together.