Ahead of this weekend's Belgian cyclocross championships, the first Belgian professional cyclist has come out as gay. Justin Levens (Proximus-AlphaMotorhomes-Doltcini) defined his sexuality in an interview with SportNU.be.

"I've been thinking about it for two years. It was a big step. 'My parents were very positive. They were afraid of the reaction, especially from the big riders and teams.

An estimated 6 percent of Europeans are LGBTQ and more than 3 percent are gay, yet surprisingly few male professional cyclists have come out as gay. In contrast, the women's peloton has a long history of openly gay athletes.

Other sports stars such as Greg Louganis, Jason Collins, and Brian Boitano have come out after retirement, and more recently, women's soccer star Megan Rapinoe, figure skater Adam Rippon, and American mountain biker Lee Davison, and others have become accepted as gay athletes during their working years.

In his Instagram story, Ravens mentioned a social media campaign by Belgian rower Simon Herink, #samesportdifferentsexuality.

"It's hard to be out in the world of sports," Löwens said.

"I hope to be an example to other athletes, riders, or cyclocrossers who may still be in their shells."

With the U23 and junior races postponed due to coronavirus restrictions, the 19-year-old will start the Belgian championships in Meulebeke on Sunday in an elite field. He has competed in 13 races this season, with his best finish coming at Bryksy Cross Gościęcin in Poland, where he placed 21st, and at Cyclocross Gullegem last weekend, where he placed 34th.

"I got a message from the team. It was very muddy and that could work to our advantage. A lot of people think it's an honor to race with the big guys, but it's very difficult. Those athletes have explosive starts."