August 29, 2002 – Press Conference

Dierckxsens Wants to Race

Ludo Dierckxsens absolutely wants to take part in the World Championships.
“If José De Cauwer, the coach, doesn’t include me in the selection, then it
will be a disaster for me,” he says. “Ever since the Tour I have been
making a special effort to keep up to scratch so that as of 1 September, I
can really build up for the World Championship. If the decision really
turns on a sprint, as many people are predicting, then I don’t stand a
chance in hell. I am fairly sure that the selection won’t be made on a
sprint and then the situation will not totally lost for me. I am prepared
to make a early breakaway promised the popular Flanders racer.

Robbie McEwen Has Total Faith

Robbie McEwen, Australian Champion and green jersey in the Tour just got to
grips with the World Championship circuit in Zolder. Robbie rode two laps
and saw that it was good. “The ideal circuit for me. only problem is that
I can only win if the race ends in a mass sprint. I hope that the Germans,
the Italians, the Spanish and the Australians will stand together and
neutralise each breakaway. Leave Zabel, Cipollini, Freire and myself at
the back, but we can work out among ourselves who will get the jersey”
stated McEwen.

Marc Wauters Wants to Participate in the Time Trials

Marc Wauters will test his Time Trial bike on the circuit this evening. “I
am taking things easy right now for two weeks which gives me the time to
try out my Time Trial equipment,” Wauters explains. “I have always had it
in the back of my mind to take part not just in the individual road race,
but also to participate in the Time Trials. I know every metre of the
circuit like the back of my hand. Who knows, I may well get to stand on
the podium”, hopes Wauters who lives five kilometres from the circuit.

Mario Aerts is doubtful about being selected

Mario Aerts, almost the red-spotted Jersey in the latest Tour de France,
would also like to take part, but he is very doubtful about being
selected. “I still want to make the team however. I am going to take part
in a series of races in Italy, which I hope will earn me my selection.
The conditions are still good. I am convinced that I can do that little
bit better and I really want to prove this” Aerts said.