Rider diary with…Vlad Van Mechelen

Hi everyone,

I’ll briefly introduce myself because I’m new to Team DSM’s Development program: Vlad Van Mechelen, half Belgian and Lithuanian, and turned 18 in June. My life has revolved around the bike since my father got me a race bike when I was five years old. I really don’t have anything else that interests me, so I’m hoping I can keep cycling for a very long time.

Most young cyclists join a group, but my sister Gloria and I chose to ride alone as it was more convenient. Our parents made us something resembling cycling kit; a black suit with yellow stripes and soon, other juniors’ parents said: ‘That’s a cool jersey! Can we have one of those as well?’ My parents later transformed it into a sort of club. Things kept expanding, and at one point, our club was among the top junior clubs in the entire world.

Joining Team DSM

I first spoke with Team DSM in 2022. I chose Team DSM because they have a clear goal and are professional in what they do. Also, the Aqua-Step Keep Challenging Center is not far from my home, and I already knew a few of the Team DSM members. Frank Ragilo, a friend of mine, also joined the team. He and I go back to when I was ten. We have always ridden together. Because the races are mostly in Belgium and he is from Estonia, he used to spend a lot of nights at my parent’s house in the past. He is like a brother to me.

Team Camp

I also have a great connection with the other guys in the Development program. Everyone gets along very well and there is a relaxed atmosphere. My first meeting with them was during Team Camp in January. It has never been awkward; everything went smoothly and we all got on together well. In Spain, I also met riders from the Men’s and Women’s programs. I really look up to them. For example, John Degenkolb. I remember supporting him when he won big races when I was younger.

Energetic start

Brussel-Opwijk hosted my first race with Development Team DSM. I came in fifth and think I adjusted nicely to the higher level. We did a great job as a team despite missing the breakaway. We needed all of our guys to catch them, and afterwards I found myself in a chaotic sprint. All in all, it was a nice introduction to the U23. I felt that the level was there to race for the victory and the teamwork was also good right away.”

I raced in the Youngster Coast Challenge after the Dorpenomloop Rucphen. As I finished eighth, I had the feeling there was more to it, but events during the race made it difficult for us. We started with six riders, three crashed halfway through the race. Then there was a breakaway with two riders, where we weren’t represented. I only had two men to bridge the gap and put me in a good position. In the end, we couldn’t catch up to the front riders, so victory was out of the question.

During the Olympia Tour last week, I competed in my first stage race of the year and I learnt a lot. The time trial was good as I finished second place. I was a second short of the victory and afterwards, you of course think: ‘I could have been a bit faster’. But, in the end, you must be happy with this result, which is also very good!

We had some small ambitions for the GC which we unfortunately lost in the first two stages due to heavy wind and a few crashes. I was too far behind when echelons formed, so I missed the boat, which was unfortunate. Of course, learning how to work as a team is also important, something that was reflected in Enzo’s victory two days later. I attempted to disrupt the chase and finished eighth behind him. It was amazing to see how well we worked together, and I am very happy for Enzo. It had been a while since his last victory, so he was overcome with emotion. All in all, it was a tough week but a good one together with the team!

I think it will be a long season because more high-level competitions are on the way. I am sure that I will learn and see a lot of new things, and I’m hoping to be able to compete for the victory a few times and achieve great success with the team.

I’m hoping to see you there!

Vlad