Belgian under-23 cyclist Niels Driesen finished fifth in the world championship race in Montréal on Friday, September 25, 2026, after an escape by American rider Ashlin Barry left the peloton chasing in vain. Driesen sprinted for what remained of the podium but voiced strong frustrations over the tactical dynamics of the group after the race.
Tactical Frustrations and the Chase for Ashlin Barry
Driesen expressed clear dissatisfaction following the finish, questioning how the chase group handled the solo breakaway. The Belgian team had hoped to secure the world title with their strong collective block, but Barry proved unreachable on the course.
“Some people will say that I’m a bad loser, but I have my doubts about it,” Driesen said after crossing the line. He noted that despite five riders working together in the chase, they failed to make up any ground over the closing laps. “We rotated fully, but after 13 laps everyone was on their gums. We drove a steady pace and the group behind us didn’t come back, but it wasn’t enough to catch Ashlin Barry.”
Did you know? Ashlin Barry rides for Visma-Lease a Bike, sharing a team connection with fellow Belgian competitor Matisse Van Kerckhove, who finished 16th in Montréal.
National Coach Serge Pauwels Assesses the Belgian Performance
National coach Serge Pauwels defended the team’s aggressive style of racing while acknowledging the reality of the outcome. The Belgian squad maintained an active presence throughout every phase of the event.
“Given the circumstances, this was what we could get,” Pauwels stated. “We obviously went for more. The way the race was run, nothing can be faulted. In every phase they were very good. It’s just that the die was cast so that it had to be done with those pursuers, and Ashlin was super strong.” Pauwels added that the team genuinely expected to close the gap on the leader within the final three to four laps.
Matisse Van Kerckhove on Team Dynamics
Teammate Matisse Van Kerckhove, who placed 16th, felt the squad executed their plan well despite missing out on the medals. “It went pretty well. I had fairly good legs and as a team we can be proud of how we rode. In every group we had at least one Belgian on board,” Van Kerckhove said. He also noted his familiarity with the winner: “He is my teammate at Visma-Lease a Bike. I’m happy for him, but we just have to be proud as a Belgian team.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the 2026 under-23 world cycling championship held?
The race took place in Montréal.
Who won the under-23 race?
American rider Ashlin Barry won the event.
What was Niels Driesen’s final result?
Niels Driesen finished in fifth place after sprinting for the remaining podium spots.
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