Taking the step into the professional ranks at the age of 24 - that's exceptionally late for today's world. However, Timo Kielich only became a professional cyclist so late on paper. In fact, he was still under contract with the Alpecin-Deceuninck development team in 2022 and 2023, which made him a continental rider in terms of status. But even in these two seasons, he was almost exclusively on the road with the World Tour team. Because a place in the professional squad finally became available for the 2024 season, Kielich was officially allowed to move up.
The Belgian, who turned 25 in August, proved early on in the season that he has earned that promotion and can also confirm it in sporting terms. In the Belgian semi-classic Le Samyn (1.1), Kielich was given a free ride and finished fifth as his team's best rider in the demanding finale with an uphill sprint. Around a month later, he was part of the escape group at the Volta NXT Classic (1.1), broke away with Pascal Eenkhoorn and then won the two-man sprint. Kielich's team-mate Henri Uhlig, who is also a neo-pro and has similar qualities to the Belgian, came third.
Subordination for van der Poel and Philipsen
Keyword similar qualities: The Alpecin-Deceuninck classics team has many other riders - and sometimes at a completely different level. For example Jasper Philipsen and Mathieu van der Poel. If one of the two stars is at the start, Kielich has to subordinate himself. However, this is the case for the majority of the classics. For this reason, the Belgian also has to switch to smaller tours for captain roles, which are sometimes similar in nature. Like the Tour de Wallonie. He took his first victory in a professional race there last year. This season, he managed a second and a third place.
Kielich also ventured into Grand Tour terrain for the first time. He rode his first three-week national tour at the Giro d'Italia. He did valuable work for Kaden Groves there, but was unable to ride the Australian to a stage win. It was a different story at Paris-Roubaix. There, van der Poel and Philipsen were able to celebrate a double victory thanks to Kielich's support. Philipsen also won Brugge-De Panne after benefiting from the support of his compatriot.
Kielich with a chance for more - but not in the classic team per se
Timo Kielich is still under contract with Alpecin-Deceuninck in 2025. And if he is content with the role of a helper who gets the chance to ride on his own account in a few races a year - and that is how he is assessed - he is likely to continue in the team beyond that. However, if he strives for more, Kielich should also be able to expect a freer role in smaller World Teams or with ambitious second division clubs.
