Axel Merckx (open in new tab) has found enough money to keep the Hagens Bellman Axion (open in new tab) team going in 2021. In a column in the Belgian newspaper La Dernière Heure, the director also warned Wout Van Aert (open in new tab) and Mathieu Van Der Pol of burnout.

Despite a number of his alumni shining in 2020, including Tao Geoghegan Hart and Giro d'Italia's Joan Almeida, the Merc's renowned development team was threatened by the COVID-19 epidemic and this year's U23 calendar was significantly reduced.

He was looking to fill a shortfall of 300,000 euros, but found at least enough to keep the team alive.

"We needed 300,000 euros for the team as a budget for 2021, but now we have found more than half," Merckx wrote in La Dernière Heure (according to Het Nieuwsblad).

"As a result, we will be able to run a normal season in Europe with a great program.

The Continental team is based in the U.S., but racing in Europe is crucial for aspiring young riders, although expenses like training camps may have to be scaled back. four riders from the 2020 team will be on the 2021 The plan is for four riders from the 2020 team to step up to a WorldTour or pro team in 2021.

Merckx, who lives in Canada, also warned Van Aert and Van der Pol in his column about the dangers of over-racing and training.

Cyclocross has been cited as an advantage for the two as they hit the road scene, but Merckx feels that racing cross in the winter and a hectic road racing schedule can lead to burnout.

"Wout Van Art is likely to be back in the field soon, but his road season just ended.

"The energy required to come back from that should not be underestimated. In the meantime, he has not had any real rest in the last three years. Like Mathieu van der Pol, I am a little worried about that."

Merckx feels that Marianne Bos is an example of his concern.

The Dutchwoman dominated the sport for several years, winning world titles in three disciplines, but suffered burnout in 2015. She has since bounced back to win more than 40 races, but has been racing less frequently.

"For years she did it all, winning road, time trial, track, and cyclocross. But one day her body said stop, she fell ill, and except for a few flashes, she never returned to her previous level," Merckx wrote.

"I hope Wout and Mathieu will think about this with their coaches and entourage.