Frans Claes, Belgian champion in XCM in 2015 and 2016 is getting more and more well known on the MTB marathon circuit. With many podium on the UCI World Series, he is really close to the best one and a victory this season is becoming more and more likely. But his main goal remains the Cap Epic, the most famous MTB race in the world. This year he managed to finish it in the top-10. To prepare the World Championship, Frans will come to Valais and will take part to the Raid Evolénard, a race he will discover for the first time. he will be present also the day before the race to give some precious advice to the kids
Although there are a few very good XC marathon mountainbiker in Belgium, it’s not the ideal country for this sport. Can you tell us where you come from and how you started with this discipline?
I am born in Leuven, a very famous student-city, which is located in the Flemish part of Belgium, approx. 30km from the Capital Brussels. I started doing mountainbike (with a normal bike) when I was 17 years of age, together with my cousin. In Flanders everybody is biking during Winter-time on Sunday-mornings at massive events where bikers can choose between different distances. Thats where I first went out with a ‘sort-of a mountainbike’ and a lot of flat tires during the first rides ;)..
I guess it’s not so easy to find a team to support XCM mountainbiker in Belgium. How do you organize yourself to be competitive at the highest level? What kind of structure do you have around you and who is supporting you?
Since I started with MTB-competition in 2008 I was a member of a small team. After my results where getting better and there was almost no support in Belgium for MTB-marathon (all cycling support is going to cyclocross and road cycling) I went to Italy to ride for an Italian team. But I did’t worked out for me and 3 year ago I started my own ‘Loving Hut MTB Team’. Besides myself there are only family members and very good friends involved in the team. Sometimes it gives me a lot of extra work but it also gives a lot of advantages.
Last year you did some great races, especially in the World MTB marathon Series where you ended up second in the O-Tour and third again second in Montafon and this year already started really well with two podium in the first two world cup. What will be your main goals this season?
My main goal was the Cape-Epic were we ended in 10th position in the GC. Also for the next 4 years this will be my main goal. Besides this it is still my goal to win a World Series Marathon, to win a 3rd National title and to perform well in the European and World Championships.
You are an ambassador of vegan food. Why do you think it is the way to go and how do conciliate vegan nutrition with top performance in long distance sports?
I eat vegan since 2009 and since then my results are getting better. For me personally it is important to eat a variety of vegetables each day. It is more easy to digest and it gives you a lot of pure energy! As a professional athlete I take blood tests every month or 2 months and every time the results are almost perfect! Also the doctor was very surprised in the beginning… !
You will come to Valais for a week to prepare the world championship in Singen. Since you are not competing too often in Switzerland, what motivated this choice? What will be your goal for this world championship?
I try to race in Switzerland 1 or 2 times a year. Every time I love to come the beautiful nature and mountains. This time I am coming with a friend to Nendaz to train, prepare the Worlds and the relax in this excellent and quiet surrounding of the big mountains. My goal for the Worlds is a top10.
During your stay you will also compete in Evolène. What are your expectations for this race? Do you plan to come back in August for the Grand Raid BCVs, one of the most famous marathon race in the world?
It’s my first participation so for sure I miss some experience to have the best result for the Raid Evolénard. With the best Swiss-riders at the startgrid I will be happy to be on the podium. For now I don’t know if I will participate at the Grand Raid BCV.
Thanks Frans for your time and looking forward to seeing you on the start line in Evolène!
