Ilan Van Wilder questions Belgium’s narrow view of leadership as he steps out of Evenepoel’s shadow

For years, Van Wilder and Evenepoel developed side by side, similar in age and profile, but with clearly defined roles. Evenepoel was the figurehead, Van Wilder the trusted engine room. That hierarchy has now shifted, and with it the expectations.

“Maybe not,” Van Wilder replied to Het Nieuwsblad when it is suggested he is not the type to bang his fist on the table. “But I have the impression that in Belgium we look a bit too narrowly at the concept of ‘leader’. Everyone immediately thinks of someone who is very self confident, strong in his shoes and who never makes mistakes. But we remain human. Everyone is different and I am not going to change my personality to fit into that box.”

He opened his season in the UAE Tour and quickly found reassurance. After a strong winter, there was still uncertainty about where he stood in his first race of the year. “Of course,” he said when asked if he would have signed for sixth overall after the time trial and the first mountain stage. “You always wonder where you are compared to the competition. Now I can say the feeling is good.”

The new responsibility of being a leader is not entirely unfamiliar. Evenepoel’s injury last season forced Van Wilder to assume greater freedom in certain races, and he sensed growth in that period. “Last year was already a kind of transition year because Remco was out for a long time. Because of his injury I could ride a lot without him and I had some nice results. I noticed I was able to grow a bit in that role.”

Now the growth must continue at the highest level. Van Wilder describes himself as an all-rounder, capable in time trials, solid uphill and equipped with a decent sprint, but not a pure climber built for the highest passes. Grand Tour ambitions may come, yet for now he is targeting strong results in week long stage races and major events.

“I think there is still a lot of room for improvement. I have my age on my side. In principle, my best years are only just coming,” he says 

Van Wilder acknowledges that Soudal Quick-Step are facing a transitional year without Evenepoel, and he does not shy away from the reality of that loss. “We have to be realistic: it will probably be a transition year for us. Remco is gone. That is a gap you cannot fill in one, two, three.”

Van Wilder faces his next mountain test Saturday in the UAE Tour, with the race set to finish atop Jebel Hafeet.