Caleb Ewan ‘motivated to get results in the biggest races’ for Lotto Dstny after ‘really stressful’ 2022

Caleb Ewan says he is “motivated to get results in the biggest races” for Lotto Dstny this year after a “really stressful” 2022 which saw his team relegated from the UCI World Tour.

Having not garnered enough points last year, Lotto Soudal – as they were named in 2022 – were demoted from cycling’s top tier, along with Chris Froome’s Israel-Premier Tech.

Australian sprinter Ewan, a five-time stage winner at the Tour de France, admitted to it being something of an annus horribilis for his team, but is determined that their new-found status will not adversely affect them and that they can secure promotion again.

Speaking ahead of the Adelaide prologue on January 17 that will launch the men’s Tour Down Under, Ewan said: “The past year has been really stressful for everyone in the team.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t make it. But personally, I don’t think a lot will change. I can do my usual program and that is the most important thing.

“Of course, we need to make sure that we stay in the driving seat to choose our own races. But if we perform like the past season, there won’t be a problem.

“That is why I am convinced that we will return to the WorldTour within three years.

“It’s true that 2022 wasn’t my best season but still, I won seven races. I also had my share of bad luck. But sometimes, you’re able to learn the most from those seasons. I learned my lessons and I am ready for next season.”

Ewan says his goals centre around performing well in blue-riband events such as the Belgian Classics and the Tour de France, the latter beginning this year in Bilbao, Spain on July 1.

“I am really motivated to get results in the biggest races,” Ewan said.

“My goals will mostly be the same as other years: Milan-San Remo, several Belgian Classics, the Tour de France and the Worlds [the latter to be held in Scotland in August].

“I am really excited to ride some more Belgian races again. Those should suit me really well, now that I’m a bit older and more experienced.

“A lot can happen of course [in 2023]. But I hope to win a Classic or even a Monument in the spring season, that would be great.

“Afterwards, I will focus on the Tour de France, where I hope to win a stage again. And almost straight after, it’s time for the Worlds, where I expect to have a good chance.

“Those are a lot of big appointments and goals, but if everything goes well and I have a bit less bad luck compared to last year, I think I’m able to win in one of those races.”

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