Wout van Aert about Switzerland, his new time trial position and a first with Evenepoel: “I’m warm again” | Tour of Switzerland

“If I go by my feeling during the training sessions, it is time to race again, I am warm again to race.”

Wout van Aert says it with a broad smile. After a break of two months, the mainstay of Jumbo-Visma wants to get back on track. With the Tour as one of the main goals, of course.

Only: this year Van Aert is not warming up in the Dauphiné, but in the Tour of Switzerland.

“I like to switch things up,” he grins. “In the Dauphiné, which I already drove four times, I have achieved good results. Now I also want to discover Switzerland. There is nothing more to it. We’ll see if it works out well.”

Van Aert starts without major ambitions for the final classification, but has ticked a few dates.

“I’m aiming for a stage win – there are a few nice stages. Especially in the two time trials, the intention is to test myself. I worked hard on that. In addition, there are a few more difficult stages in between where I can win something.”

“The classification? There are three serious mountain stages and there are still some strong riders at the start here. So emptying myself for a place of honor doesn’t really appeal to me. I prefer to choose my days and go to the Tour in top form.”

Speaking of time trials: something fundamental has changed about the position in which Wout van Aert will soon be on his bike.

Due to a revision of the UCI rules, Van Aert’s time trial handlebars may soon be more inclined. The clearance is determined on the basis of the rider’s height and Van Aert falls into the latter category (of riders taller than 190 centimetres).

“Immediately after Paris-Roubaix, we worked with the team on possible improvements,” said Van Aert. “In the meantime I have been able to train in the new position for a whole period. Well, it feels very good.”

“Fortunately, I was allowed to use the exception with my height. Now my arms can be slightly higher. This way I can make myself smaller and better hide my head.”

“Today will be a nice time trial that should suit me. Not super long, but along the water at a high speed. It is also a special finish in a village with cobblestones. I think it will be a game of seconds.”

Finally, a striking scoop: Van Aert will soon be at the start of a stage race with Remco Evenepoel.

“In the first place, it remains to be seen how Remco will have recovered from his corona infection in the Giro. Hopefully he can leave that behind soon and focus on sports again.”

“It might be a duel in the time trials, but it’s actually quite simple… (laughs) We both start at a different time, so it won’t change my personal approach.”

“Whether it increases the rivalry for stage wins? (shakes head) There is not really any rivalry. Remco is just an extra opponent to be feared. If he has the legs from his time trial in the Giro, Remco will be the top favorite here.”