The important weeks are coming for Wout van Aert. In the coming days, the media and various analysts/cycling experts will mainly talk about his person. Jan Bakelants also has his own idea.
Tough reality for Van Aert
For example, Van Aert often has to bear the brunt of men like Rik Van Looy or Roger De Vlaeminck. Bakelants understands where those critical looks come from. “Rik is a native of Kempen: they are always straight forward. I understand him when he says that Wout has to make it happen. Because if he were to stop now, his honors list would be reduced to one time in Milan-San Remo. That is the harsh reality.”
However, he has already won a few classics, including Gent-Wevelgem and the E3 twice? “In so many years, no one will talk about that anymore,” Bakelants thinks. “Yes, there are still the nine stages in the Tour, but that’s it. While Wout is probably a physically better rider than Boonen. But Tom’s honors list includes the Tour of Flanders three times, Paris-Roubaix four times and the World Cup once.
Van Aert has to think more about himself
Bakelants is therefore also quite critical of Van Aert, but he is convinced of his capabilities. “Yet Wout’s versatility is unprecedented. He is competing for prizes both in Flanders and in a climbing time trial in the Tour. That is exceptional.”
He therefore believes that Van Aert should be more selfish. “Yes, I think so. It wouldn’t be bad if at Visma-Lease a Bike they would only ride for Wout from the start, as the only leader.”
Bakelants has also made this clear to him personally, he says. “I’ve already talked to him about it. Wout then says: ‘I could never be the rider I am now with another team.’”
