A source of pride for this former winner of the Famenne Ardenne Classic. “It's still one of the best teams in the world.he explained to us this summer, in an interview on the Renewi Tour. For me, it's simply a dream come true. When I started cycling, I dreamed of reaching the level of a large international team, with great resources. I had set this goal as a career goal. When this ends, I want to tell myself that I have put all the chances on my side to achieve the best results, to reach my best condition according to my potential. This signature at Visma | Lease a Bike is therefore the logical next step for my development.”
gullJust because it worked well for Laporte at Visma doesn't mean it will work well for me too.
Fast without being among the best sprinters for the moment, Axel Zingle has the profile of a classics runner, events that he loves. With the desire to take advantage of his burst of speed at the end of a hard race. A bit like Christophe Laporte, his compatriot whom he will join next season. “People obviously talk to me a lot about this examplecontinues Axel Zingle, fifth in the Flèche Brabançonne or tenth in the Amstel Gold Race last year. He is French, like me, and was at Cofidis like me before joining this team. This transfer was successful for him, he progressed well once he arrived at Visma | Lease a Bike. I hope to follow the same trajectory, but I already know that it will not be automatic. Just because it worked well for Christophe doesn't mean it will work just as well for me. This will come through work.”
“I have a disease, it’s a very specific one”: Wout van Aert worries his fans on Strava after a cycling trip in Spain
gullIt's very motivating to become teammates with a rider like van Aert.
He had discussed with the now former European champion before signing for Wout van Aert's team. “I quickly understood that Christophe feels very good in this team. It erases a little this leap into the unknown aspect. To leave, to leave France… But I am very motivated by this transfer. I was flattered to have been able to sign this contract with this great team. For a runner like me, often placed but ultimately not a winner that much (he has five victories in three seasons: the Route Adélie, a stage of the Arctic Race of Norway and the Famenne Ardenne Classic in 2022, the Classic Loire Atlantique in 2024 and the Boucles de l'Aulne this season)there is sometimes a little doubt… So, when you feel that the interest is mutual with such a team, that is reassuring.”
He appreciated the contact, during the race, with his future teammates. “Obviously, I know Christophe Laporte well, but during the last Tour de France, quite a few riders came to greet me, talk to me, discuss next season. It was nice.”
Attracted by the classics, he really wants to be part of the core of the Batavian armada on the cobbles, in the mountains and moguls alongside Wout van Aert. What does the Belgian runner inspire him? “Wout, he’s someone I admire a lothe replies. I already followed him quite a bit on cyclocross before. I really love what he does. To become his teammate, but also that of Jonas Vingegaard or others, is something big. And very motivating.”
Axel Zingle often fought against Arnaud De Lie
