The team is saddened to announce that Quinten Hermans will not be able to chase the rainbow jersey in Fayetteville next Sunday. All selected riders of Belgian Cycling underwent a PCR test this Sunday to investigate contamination with the Covid-virus and the PCR test of Hermans showed a positive result. The winner of the World Cup in Fayetteville earlier this season won’t be travelling to the United States to defend the colors of his country, meaning that he concluded his cyclocross season in the World Cup in Hoogerheide earlier today.
« I performed well in Hoogerheide, felt healthy and ready to battle for the medals in Fayetteville. I worked incredibly hard the last couple of weeks and months to be able to line up in the best circumstances. We avoided as many risks as possible, for example by testing daily or by not joining Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux at its January training camp. But on Sunday evening I was informed about the positive PCR test result and I have no other choice than renouncing for the World Championships. I feel very powerless in this situation and I will need some time to get over this disappointment. »
« We believed in the chances of Quinten Hermans in the battle for the rainbow jersey next weekend and we are of course sad that he is excluded from it in this way. His trainer Frederik Veuchelen and sports director Bart Wellens have been preparing this goal intensively with Quinten. Despite the great disappointment of the brutal end of his cyclocross season, we are convinced that many fantastic moments are awaiting Quinten in 2022. We admired his World Cup victory in Fayetteville, his silver medal at the European Championships and many other great performances. We know that the same enthusiasm and determination will drive him towards his next goals with Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux this year. »
