Mauri Vansevenant had a promising start to 2023, but that quickly changed as the Soudal - Quick-Step rider injured his knee at Strade Bianche in early March, and haven't worn race number since then. He's took some time off to recover and the Belgian climber now seems ready to take on the Critérium du Dauphiné.

During the reconnaissance of the course, he bumped his knee against his handlebars. An accident with serious consequences. “There was a small tear in the membrane between the kneecap and the patella. It didn't seem serious, but the day after the Strade I was in a lot of pain."

"I had to start from scratch. A month and a half ago, mid-April, I was able to train again." Now the climber is again eager to jump on the bike and race. "It has been a long way back. The first training sessions were tough, but after four or five weeks I was in good shape."

Vansevenant does not yet have a contract for 2024. "I hope that I have proven enough in recent years, that the team has confidence and that I can stay. But I don't know for sure. I try not to worry about it. I don't think there is a problem. But a person is still working on it."

Vansevenant seems certain about one thing. The Tour de France comes too soon for him. "I'll just watch how the Dauphiné goes and then I'll see how it goes. The Tour is the furthest of my worries, I don't think I should ride it. The Vuelta is better for me."

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