Deceuninck-QuickStep teenager Lemko Evenpoel has had a brilliant debut season in 2019 with wins at the Clasica San Sebastian and European Time Trial Championships In 2020, he will compete in the Tokyo Olympics Individual Time Trial and further success at the hilly World Championships in Switzerland.

The 19-year-old was unable to add to his trophy haul at the prestigious "Flandrian of the Year" in Belgium on Tuesday night. However, he appeared in good spirits at the awards ceremony hosted by the Belgian newspaper "Het Nieuwsblad" and talked about his main goals for this second year of the season.

"The Olympics and the World Championships will be my main goals," Evenpoel said in an interview with the newspaper.

"I want to accomplish something there and make sure no one doubts me on the ballot next year," he jokingly added.

In addition to his solo win in San Sebastián and European TT crown, Evenpoel also won a stage and the overall at the Baloise Belgian Tour, a stage win at the Adriatica Ionica race, and a time He finished second in the trials. As a result, he was selected to represent Belgium at the Tokyo Olympics, with Victor Kampenaerts and Wout Van Aert vying for second place.

"I had a super season," Evenpoel said of his professional debut at just 19 years old.

"It's crazy to be nominated for Neo Pro Year and I just lost. I can't regret it and I must be proud of it. For me, it gives me even more motivation for next year."

"I think Wout sprints a little better than me. Both literally and figuratively," he joked.

Evenpoel revealed that he admires Juan Art as a rider. Evenpoel had just started cycling in 2017, just as Van Aert was winning the cyclocross world championships.

"Van Aert is my role model anyway. When I was still playing soccer, I used to watch him race and cross race. In that world, he was my idol."

"We just met at the Belgian time trial championships and he deservedly won. At that time I was not at my best level, but he dominated everyone. And today, Wout won again, not me."

"I think his popularity in cyclocross played a part, but I don't begrudge him that. If Philippe [Gilbert] had won this trophy a fourth time, it would have happened. It was a logical top three."

With the big 2020 season ahead, it is not surprising that work has already begun for Evenpoel. He has already begun training and said he is taking time off from his work in Spain to attend an award in Belgium.

"I've already lost two kilos," he said of his training so far.

"On Thursday I will visit the Royal Palace and then fly back to Calpe. I don't know yet where I will start the new season, but I am sure it won't be the Tour Down Under."