Giro d’Italia: Belgian Rider on Carapaz Support & Future Plans
Dries de Bondt, a Belgian rider, strategically used teh Giro d’Italia as a job audition, turning heads with his tactical moves. His role in pacing rivals on Stage 20, most notably offering support to Richard Carapaz amid a Simon Yates attack, showcased his selfless abilities.De Bondt, facing potential team changes, aimed to demonstrate his value in a competitive cycling market. Learn how his actions, including his breakaway attempts and intermediate sprint win, were all part of a broader plan to secure his future. News Directory 3 examines the details of his strategy and its implications for professional cycling.Discover what’s next for this persistent athlete.
Dries De Bondt Turns Giro d’Italia Into Job Audition
Updated June 06, 2025
Belgian cyclist Dries De Bondt, 33, made headlines at the Giro d’Italia, not just for his six breakaway attempts and intermediate sprint win, but for his unusual tactics during the penultimate stage. De Bondt’s role in pacing rivals on the Colle delle Finestre raised eyebrows, but he revealed a strategic motive: securing a contract for 2026.
After joining the day’s early breakaway, De Bondt found himself caught by the general classification contenders on the climb. Rather of simply falling back,the Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale rider positioned himself at the front of the chase group,providing a tow for Richard Carapaz as Simon Yates launched his attack.
De Bondt told Cycling flash that he alerted several teams to his availability during the race. He even discussed his plans with EF Education-EasyPost coach Ken Vanmarcke,a fellow Belgian. Vanmarcke suggested that if De Bondt found himself in a breakaway, playing a notable role could yield serious opportunities.
De Bondt’s efforts narrowed Yates’ lead, but he emphasized that yates was simply too strong. He faced “lots of questions” about his actions, but his message was clear: he is on the market.
The Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale team is expected to welcome Olav Kooij and Tiesj Benoot in 2026,possibly creating a squeeze on existing roster spots. Reports indicate that Kooij may bring Daan Hoole, Cees Bol, and Robbe Ghys with him, further intensifying competition for places.
De Bondt acknowledged that these changes could impact his future with the team. “I think I’m the victim of the arrival of other riders,” he said, recognizing the team’s challenging decisions ahead.
What’s next
De Bondt’s future remains uncertain as he awaits clarity from his current team and explores other opportunities.His proactive approach during the Giro d’Italia highlights the challenges cyclists face in securing contracts and the creative measures they sometiems take to market themselves.