After a successful debut season, Frederik Backaert is ready for another year at Wanty-Groupe Gobert. The Belgian will target the spring classics and the Tour of Austria in 2015.

Frederik Backaert made his pro debut this year in the blue jersey of Team Wanty-Groupe Gobert.

“Before the season I didn’t know what to expect. This year I learned to target certain periods in the season. My goals for next year are the Spring Classics and the Tour of Austria, and hopefully, if we get a wildcard again, the Tour de Suisse as preparation,” the rider from Brakel, Belgium says.

In the Tour of Austria the 24-year old made his mark with a 17th place overall. Sports director Hilaire Van Der Schueren noticed the young Belgian’s potential.

“Frederik climbing abilities surprised me. He proved he can climb in Austria where he really worked hard for the team. Frederik is an allround rider, a really strong guy.”

That strength is something that Backaert should use in the Spring Classics, Van Der Schueren adds. These races are also a goal for the rider himself.

“Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne went well. I finished in the first group. I was slightly sick in the Spring campaign so I hope to do better next season. The foundations will be laid with hard work in the winter,” Backaert says.

“Time trials are a thing Frederik has to improve on,” his DS adds. “Furthermore he should be more active and attentive in the first 50 kilometres of the race.”

Backaert learned a lot from his team mates Laurens De Vreese and Jérôme Baugnies who live locally.

“They really showed me how much you need to do and which things you should refrain from as a pro. You really have to live for your job but that’s no problem because it’s a beautiful job!”

With new goals and lots of motivation driving him, Backaert resumed the training sessions for the 2015 season.

“My first year has not always been easy. We raced a lot, especially in the last two months of the season. In the U23-category I did well in the Ardennes but the pros turn a much higher gear. That is a big difference. And the travelling is not always easy. Sometimes that is even harder than the racing itself,” he concludes.