We went to visit Stan at his home in Ghent. It was an opportunity to ask him questions that are not often asked, to get to know the man behind the cyclist.
▪️ When and how did you start cycling?
At home, it was all about football, football, football. Then one summer, thanks to one of my friends« fathers, I don't remember why, I tried cycling. I was 14. I really enjoyed it, and they were really surprised that I wasn't completely exhausted after 80 km. So they convinced me to join a club. My first year, I wasn't very good: I finished 83rd in my region. But the following year, I won 11 times and finished first. From then on, everything just fell into place.
▪️ What is it about cycling that motivates you?
Of course, I enjoy going out and training. But deep down, I think it's because I'm very competitive, and what I like about cycling is that you're alone with yourself. You have to push yourself; you can't rely on anyone else. In every race, you have to push yourself to the limit of your abilities, and it may sound strange, but it's something I really enjoy.
▪️ How did you join the AG2R CITROËN team?
They came to get me and I'm very happy about that. I had been quite seriously injured the previous year. It was just after the end of the season, a car hit me and I came away with a serious knee injury. But they put their faith in me anyway, and I'm very grateful to them for that.
▪️ What is it like to be a professional cyclist?
Being a professional cyclist means turning your passion into your job. And that's an incredible opportunity. But it also comes with constraints. When you're a professional cyclist, you're one every day, all the time: when you're eating, when you're out with friends... there's no «on» and «off». You also have to accept being away from home and your friends. I'm away 200 days a year.
▪️ What are your main goals as a cyclist?
As a professional, victories, of course. My dream race is Paris-Roubaix. I've always had a connection with this race, even before winning it in the U23 category. And I'd like to compete in the Tour de France at least once. Outside of my career, I'd really like to do the Cape Epic or the Crocodile Trophy with a friend and go bike packing with my little brother.
▪️ And apart from cycling, what are your passions?
The most important thing is spending time with my friends. I often invite them over for dinner, we play darts... we've also gotten pretty into board games since lockdown! And I love beer. A friend and I brew our own beer, we develop our own recipes and we might even plan to sell it one day.
