Rik Verbrugghe wants to participate in both the World Time Trial
Championship as well as the World Championships Road Racing. “After
my unfortunate fall during the first week of the Tour, I was out for
six weeks because of the collarbone fracture. That means that I am
really eager to do some racing; I have got lots of pent-up energy. I
want to get myself back into prime condition and hope to achieve this
during the Tour of Poland. Afterwards I will take part in the
Landenprijs in France, which I hope will serve to earn me my
selection. Of course I also hope to get my ticket for the individual
road race. I want reach my peak again so that the Belgian coach will
make me a protected racer. I definitely want to stand on the
winners’ podium in Zolder,” said Rik Verbrugghe.

Aart Vierhouten also did a familiarisation lap of the World
Championship circuit. Vierhouten, who is riding his sixth World
Championship at Zolder alongside the professionals, wants to become a
spearhead within the Dutch team. “I know this circuit like the back
of my hand. I am enthusiastic because I am someone who likes wind
and flat roads. If I manage to improve my condition, they will have
a force to reckon with in me. I will be taking part in the Tour of
Rheinland Pfalz as my ultimate preparation, and then I should be
ready”, said Vierhouten hopefully.

Jef Braeckevelt followed the familiarisation lap with the Lotto team
follow car. “This is a circuit where it is impossible to predict who
is going to win. There are at least 100 racers who are in which a
chance,” thinks Jef who reckons that Tafi, Nardello, Jalabert and
Johan Museeuw in particular are likely candidates. “Particularly
Museeuw, because it’s his birthday on that day. Don’t forget that it
was under exactly the same circumstances that he became world
champion in Lugano. It was also his birthday then. For Museeuw the
circuit in Zolder is after his own heart”, thus predicted the Lotto
Sports Manager.

Petacchi is enthusiastic too
Alessandro Petacchi, the second Italian fast sprinter alongside Mario
Cipollini, informed the Italian coach Franco Ballerini that he also
wants to get his ticket for Zolder. “If Cipo is a likely candidate
for the title, then I am too. I am glad that Mario is back racing,
but with two fast men in the team, we are stronger. I won’t be
unhappy to help Cipo”, Petaccchi announced.

Policemen on bicycles
The police service of HAZODI, Heusden-Zolder, Beringen, Diest and
Lummen plan to have all hands on board during the World Championships
in order to maintain public law and order during the event. on
Wednesday 4 September they will also do a familiarisation lap of the
World Championship circuit, not in their police cars, but on their
bikes.

Flags along the Groene Boulevard in Hasselt
After the huge banner was hung on one of the TT towers, the Groene
Boulevard (Inner Ring Road) of the World Championship host town
Hasselt will also be decorated with flags. The Groene Boulevard will
be the circuit for the World Time Trial Championship circuit
(08.10.02, 09.10.02, 10.10.02) and the Hasselt Palio race on the evening of
Friday October 12.