Kevin Vermaerke has had a very strong start to his career as an U23, settling in well at Hagens Berman Axeon and even winning a massive race on the U23 calendar, U23 Liege-Bastogne-Liege.
We caught up with the young American just before the World Champs RR, and we talked about his debut season at this level. Whilst he would be very visible in the road race, he didn’t make the front split on the day’s major climb, but rode a great race in the chase and did himself and his country proud.
But until he gets a chance to try for the Worlds next year (on a course in Switzerland that is maybe more suited to his abilities, as he will go on to tell us), you can get to know the man who turns 19 just eight days after this interview is published by reading our exclusive interview.
“This time last year I was racing in the junior Worlds, getting a top ten their was a good result for me, a breakthrough result. Coming into this year was a bit of an unknown, but I think I surprised myself with how easy the transition was and how I was able to make the step up. It didn’t feel that different and it was a nice change to come in as an U23 and be able to compete for the win.”
Whilst there was no denying his win from a three-man sprint in Liege was very impressive, Kevin has been strong all year, and points this out. 4th in Lillehammer GP was another elite one-day result, and 23rd overall in Utah showed how good his climbing legs are, supporting Joao Almeida to 4th overall.
“Liege was a breakthrough as well, and the result everyone seems to know about. But this whole year has been big for me, I’m learning at every race and I’m getting stronger.”
After speaking to us about the course, given Kevin already has some experience in Yorkshire after finishing 21st overall back in May at the Tour de Yorkshire, we asked Kevin about being in the US camp whilst his compatriots were winning medal after medal.
“It’s been a long week, especially watching the juniors, we got really excited. To be honest, I’m just happy to be here and to finally get the chance to get racing.”
Discussing ideal parcours, Kevin says normally a course like Yorkshire isn’t as hilly as he would prefer. But given he knows what these roads in Yorkshire can do to races, he does suggest that any hard race that offers twisty roads and a few tough climbs can really be suited to his skills.
“I think I’m still trying to figure out what type of rider I am. I think a little more climbing on the course than we have at this Worlds would be good for me, but any course that is raced hard can be good for me, so these kinds of parcours can also suit me.”
Kevin has shown a wide variety of talents in his first season at this level, including abilities as a puncheur, climber and stage hunter. Kevin spoke about where he thinks his career can go in the coming years with regards to specialisation.
“I’d like to be a contender in the Classics, and also try for stage wins in the Grand Tours. At the U23 Giro I was able to help out our leader Sean Quinn on the climbs. I’m keeping my options open and letting my body figure out what’s best for me.”
When asked about his dream pro win, Kevin says there is one race he values above all the others, a race he dreams about winning every time he rides his bike.
“Without a doubt I’d pick the World Championships. To wear the Rainbow bands is my biggest dream. I think about it everyday, that’s for sure the goal for me.”
Kevin Vermaerke is a massive talent. The young American is in the right team to develop, and he has the skills required to win some very big races. I’d not be shocked to see a string on WorldTour teams chasing him for 2021 if his upward trend of progress continues.
U23 Cycling Zone wishes to thank Kevin for answering our questions ahead of the race, and we wish him all the best for 2020. You can follow him on Twitter at @kvermaerke.
U23 Cycling Zone 