Remco Evenepoel will lead the eight riders representing Belgium at the UCI Road World Championships in Zurich starting September 21.

While Evenepoel has been named the team's leader, Maxime Van Gils may take on a second leadership role in the elite men's 273.9km road race on September 29, the final day of competition.

The team also includes Victor Kampenaerts, Tim Wellens, Yasper Steiven, Tige Benoot, Quinten Hermans, and Laurens de Plus.

“The whole team will be running to support Lemko,” national team coach Sven Vanthourenhout told Sporza.

Wout Van Aert, who was forced to abandon the race after a serious crash on the descent of stage 16 of the Vuelta a España, will not be racing. His Visma-Lease a Bike team later announced that he would not compete for the remainder of the season.

Ahead of the World Championships, Evenepaul said Van Aert's season-ending injury was a “big loss” for Belgium.

Evenepoel will compete in the individual time trial on September 22 along with Campanaerts.

He finished third overall in the Tour de France and was a double road race and time trial champion at the Paris Olympics. He is a strong candidate to defend his world title in the time trial, which he won in Glasgow last year, and is one of the favorites to win the road race for the second time in his career, after winning in Wollongong in 2022.

“I really enjoyed his performance during the Tour and the competition,” said Vanhollenhout, noting that Evenpoel will skip the UEC Road European Championships, September 11-15, in order to prepare for the World Championships.

“It is unfortunate for the public that he will not participate in the European Championships, but fortunate for the World Championships.”

Vanhollenhout also said that while Evenpoel is motivated by the leadership role ahead of the world championships, the cycling world should not give him a hard time if he does not win the world title in Zurich.

“Lemko will do everything in his power to realize his ambitions. But let's be lenient even if he doesn't succeed. Lemko always gives 100 percent. But let's not be too hard on him if he doesn't succeed.”

Following the Tour de France and the Olympics, the World Championships will be Evenpole's third consecutive peak, but Vanthourenhout had realistic expectations, noting that his rider has had a demanding and successful season.

“We'll have to see about that. 'He's working hard and he wants to accomplish something at the World Championships. But it's been a tough and special year. But it's also been a tough and special year.

Belgian men's elite road race team:

Belgian men's elite individual time trial: [31]