'High trees catch a lot of wind' – From intense media scrutiny to social media abuse, the Classics bring out the pressure of expectation in Belgium

Belgium’s deep-rooted passion for cycling places immense media and fan pressure on its top Classics riders like Wout van Aert and Remco Evenepoel, whose every move is intensely scrutinised. While the sport’s prominence elevates these athletes to national stardom, it also exposes them to harsh criticism and social media abuse when expectations are not met. This intense spotlight, coupled with occasional hostile fan behaviour, creates a challenging environment where riders must balance public adulation with the weight of relentless pressure.