One of the most promising Belgian riders on the U23 ranks, the Belgian sat down to talk about his early years in the sport, becoming a member of the Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team, and his results so far.
Viktor developed an interest in cycling in 2015. Prior to this, he explored various sports, such as gymnastics, athletics, and football, but didn’t find a genuine connection until he discovered cycling, and unlike his previous attempts, where he didn’t feel a true connection, things clicked here right away.
Shortly thereafter, he purchased a bike, and during a school excursion to Geraardsbergen, his teacher offered him the chance to climb the iconic Muur. As he pedaled that afternoon with his friends cheering him on from the sidelines on one of cycling’s most iconic places, he realized he had found his true passion.
“I only really started cycling when I was 11 years old, as my parents were initially hesitant and my family had no background in cycling. I joined KVC t’Meetjesland, a local club near my home. Initially, it was just for fun. Like many others, I harbored dreams of becoming a professional cyclist, but it wasn’t really something I said out loud or actively focused on. I mainly just had a lot of fun training with my friends, and it was the perfect pastime.
In the beginning, I wasn’t very good either, and the main goal was straightforward: to finish the races I started. I won my first race ever when I was already in cycling for five years, but it was only when I became a junior that my results began to improve. It was then that I progressed a lot. The races became more professional and I got the opportunity with my new team Onder Ons Parike to compete in the U19 versions of professional races. From that moment on, my dream of becoming a professional cyclist began taking shape.”
In 2024, Viktor stepped up to the U23 ranks and joined Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team. During his inaugural season with the squad - which has established itself as one of the best in the world in recent years - the Belgian seized any opportunity to show what he is capable for, winning the Grand Prix de Honnelles and the Tour de Bretagne white jersey, as well as scoring a string of top ten results in several challenging one-day races.
In these two years with the team, I’ve learned an incredible amount. I believe that each year I’ve progressed in my development as a rider.
“Three years ago, I would never have imagined racing alongside some of the world’s best riders. I feel I’ve improved in many areas, such as race insight, positioning, training, nutrition, and lots more. But there’s still plenty of room to improve my performance and with the support of the team, that’s absolutely possible.”
His significant breakthrough occurred at the beginning of 2025, when Viktor was selected to race O Gran Camiño together with the World Tour squad, and surpassed all expectations by finishing eighth overall after five demanding days and earning the white jersey.
I never expected to get a top ten and be the best young rider in O Gran Camiño, my first professional race ever.
“I didn’t realise what was happening, and I was very happy with the result. The white jersey has a special place in my room at home. This is one of the things I love about this team: they have this really good system that gives you the opportunity to race alongside the World Tour riders, learn from them, and then take that experience with you into the Devo team’s races. Not everyone is ready to make the step up at 18 straight to the World Tour, and through our feeder squad, I’ve already made considerable strides.”
Return on Thursday for the second part of the interview, where Viktor discusses his unexpected top ten finish in Volta Comunitat Valenciana this year, his upcoming races this spring, goals for this season, and what he likes to do when he’s not on his bike.
Photo credit: ©Wout Beel
