Daan Hoole dares to openly speak of winning in 2024: "Arrival of Declercq can be advantageous for me"

Daan Hoole has virtually become part of the scenery at Lidl-Trek, but it would be all too easy to forget that he is only 24 years old. The tall time trial specialist officially joined the team in 2022. Last year, he renewed his contract until the end of 2025. This is a sign of trust, as Hoole is highly regarded by the American team. This season, he is expected to achieve more individual results, as well as continue his regular role as a domestique for leader Mads Pedersen. Hoole shared his thoughts in an extensive interview with IDLProCycling.com.

We were here last year as well, but a lot has happened with this team in the past few months. What role will you play in 2024?

"Of course, a lot of good riders have joined, which means there's more competition for race selections. That's a very positive step, as it will only push us to elevate our level as a group. My role won't change much from last year. Maybe I'll ride a few less races with Mads (Pedersen, ed.) to also keep experiencing those finales in smaller races and to maintain that feeling. My focus will definitely be on the classics and the time trials."

A year ago, you mentioned wanting to make progress in terms of time trialing. Do you feel that has been sufficiently achieved?

"Well, at the beginning of 2023, I had quite a difficult period and definitely didn't get everything out of it. However, I am certainly satisfied with the second part of the year, where I managed to ride some really good time trials. Fourth in Denmark, seventh in the Renewi Tour and seventh at the European Championships. Of course, there's always room for improvement and there are always things you need to keep working on, but I was really happy with the second part of 2023."

Where do you think your upper limit is in terms of time trialing? Have you already figured that out?

"Ummm, no, not really. I made a small step in the right direction last year, and if I can aim for top five or podium finishes in time trials this season - instead of top ten - I would be very happy with that. Who knows, maybe one day I will win time trials. You should always keep dreaming and stay ambitious. So, my goal is definitely to win someday, for sure."

Were you surprised by the arrival of Tim Declercq? His role is similar to the one you have also played...

"Well, I think he had a slightly different role at Soudal-Quick Step. They typically used him earlier on in the race. I haven't done much leading from the front, only when positioning, of course. In that sense, it might actually be advantageous for me. Sometimes Tim can take some of the workload off me, and if that means I can't ride a race like Paris-Nice, I wouldn't mind that much. I aspire to more than just a domestique role, so sometimes it's better to show what you can do in smaller races, so that you get to play that role in bigger races too. It's better than leading from the front in all the big races and never getting the chance to show yourself because you've already spent all your energy leading."

What are your goals for the spring?

"Races like Le Samyn, Denain, Nokere... Those classics, I'm really going to focus on those. It pays off more for me to be really good there and achieve good finishes and results, than to be at my best in the Tour of Flanders. It goes without saying that I want that as well, but the team says if I want to get some results for myself, I should focus on races like that."

In that sense, do you feel confident from the team or have you dropped in the internal pecking order?

"Well, generally, we now have more leaders. I haven't necessarily dropped in the pecking order, but haven't risen either. Certainly, in terms of depth, we've added guys who are all better than the selection we had last year. That makes the internal competition tougher, but ultimately that's only a good thing, and I'm very confident and excited."

You speak with ambition, nice! I was curious about what Daan Hoole's role would be, but I understand we'll definitely be seeing you at the front...

"Only time will tell if I can do that, because in Mads we have a real leader who can win any classic. He's good all year round, so we'll always play his card. That's also great, because it's super cool to be able to contribute to his performances. Especially in those big races, the team goes all in on Mads and Jasper Stuyven."

How would you describe Mads Pedersen as a team leader?

"He's a fun leader to ride for. He's very ambitious and has a lot of confidence in his abilities. He is not afraid to attack or rely on his sprint, so he's very fun to ride for. I haven't ridden for many leaders yet, but he is, for example, very different from Mathieu (van der Poel, ed.). You might ride one or two races a year for Mathieu, but Mads really sees the work you put in and he appreciates it a lot."

He's very laid-back in interviews and often jokes around... Is he like that in the group too?

"He's not a clown or anything. He can also be very serious and is very focused during races. Then he can be really nervous, because of the pressure he feels. However, he does keep the atmosphere light and is always up for a joke. We thrive on that."

And Van der Poel, whom you just mentioned, is he more serious?

"No, not at all! He's even more carefree, even right up to the start of a race. You can't make him nervous, not even if he's not in position."

Can you learn something from Pedersen?

"Definitely. His work ethic, and also having confidence in yourself. He openly states his goals, and that takes courage. People will quickly judge you, so not many riders will openly say they want to win the biggest races. Mads has the intrinsic confidence that he can do it, and that's beautiful to see."

Sam Oomen and Tao Geoghegan Hart are joining. Those are two riders who are not necessarily typical cyclists and like to talk about other things. Do you enjoy having them around?

"Yes, very much so. Sam is Dutch, so the barrier to talk about other things is always a bit lower with him. You find you have the same humor more easily."

Are you like that too, or are you truly part of the new generation, keeping track of numbers and weighing food?

"A combination of both, I think. I am serious, but I also try to maintain a good atmosphere. I won't lose myself in those power numbers. I often share a room with Bauke Mollema, from whom I can learn a lot and whom I can laugh a lot with as well."

When will you consider 2024 a success?

"When I have won a time trial and ridden top five in a WorldTour time trial. I want to improve further and ride strong finales in those smaller races. If I feel that I've really gotten better and can hold my own in a grand tour. The Giro? Yes, although it's harder to combine with the classics. The Giro or the Vuelta, it doesn't matter much to me. The chances of going to the Tour are not so big, and I don't mind that. I'm not quite ready for that yet."