Milan-San Remo looms large on the calendar for Wout van Aert, but a recent decision to return to Belgium between races has sparked debate about potential health risks as the Classics season gets underway. The Visma | Lease a Bike rider is balancing the demands of peak performance with the very real threat of illness that’s already sidelined him earlier this year.
Van Aert’s spring campaign is ambitious, encompassing Strade Bianche, Tirreno-Adriatico and the upcoming Milan-Sanremo. While many riders are opting to remain in Italy to minimize exposure to illness, van Aert has chosen to briefly return home, a move that has raised eyebrows among some in the peloton.
A Calculated Risk?
The decision stems from a desire to break up a long stretch of racing in Italy, but it comes with potential consequences. Oliver Naesen of Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale team highlighted the dangers, explaining that his team is remaining in Italy specifically to avoid the risk of contracting illness. “Because our resistance is so low, we are staying with the team in Italy until Milan-Sanremo, to not get sick,” Naesen told Het Laatste Nieuws. He emphasized the vulnerability of athletes in peak condition, stating that even brief exposure to someone with a cough on a flight could be detrimental.
The concern is particularly acute given van Aert’s recent health struggles. He missed the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad in February due to illness, following a fractured ankle sustained during cyclocross in January. The early-season setbacks have disrupted his preparation for the Classics, making maintaining peak fitness and avoiding further setbacks crucial.
The situation underscores the delicate balance professional cyclists face during this period. The intense physical demands of racing weaken the immune system, making riders more susceptible to illness. Travel, particularly by air, further increases the risk of exposure.
Not all riders face the same logistical challenges. Mathieu van der Poel, for example, benefits from the utilize of a private aircraft provided by Flyinggroup Aero, for whom he also serves as an ambassador. This allows him to travel more freely while potentially minimizing exposure to crowded public spaces. However, even with private travel, precautions are still necessary.
Van Aert’s return to Belgium is a calculated gamble. He clearly feels the need for a change of scenery and a brief respite from the Italian racing environment. However, the potential cost – a renewed bout of illness – could derail his entire Classics campaign.
The current cycling landscape demands a relentless schedule, and riders are constantly pushing their bodies to the limit. This leaves them vulnerable, and the risk of illness is a constant companion. Teams are increasingly focused on preventative measures, including careful travel arrangements and strict hygiene protocols, but eliminating the risk entirely is impossible.
The situation highlights the importance of recovery and the challenges of maintaining peak performance throughout a demanding season. Riders must carefully manage their training load, nutrition, and travel to minimize the risk of illness and injury. It’s a constant balancing act, and even the smallest misstep can have significant consequences.
Van Aert’s form at Tirreno-Adriatico offered encouraging signs, with a notable performance on Saturday where he rode generously to support teammate Matteo Jorgenson. He acknowledged he wasn’t at his absolute best, but felt he was gaining the necessary “race hardness” needed for Milan-San Remo. “You can’t simulate this work in training,” van Aert told Flemish media, emphasizing the unique demands of racing in a peloton.
The Classics season is notoriously unpredictable, and even the most well-prepared riders can be undone by unforeseen circumstances. Illness is a constant threat, and teams are doing everything they can to mitigate the risk. Van Aert’s decision to return to Belgium is a testament to the challenges riders face in balancing performance and health.
The upcoming Milan-San Remo will be a key test for van Aert. He’s aiming to build on his recent form and contend for a victory in the prestigious one-day race. However, his success will depend not only on his physical condition but also on his ability to stay healthy in the days leading up to the event.
The race, scheduled for Saturday, marks the end of a significant block of racing in Italy for van Aert. He’ll then turn his attention to the northern Classics, with a goal of being competitive from the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad through to Paris-Roubaix. He’s also targeting the Vuelta a España later in the year as a co-leader for Visma | Lease a Bike.
The team’s strategy reflects a broader focus on the Classics and Grand Tours. Van Aert’s versatility makes him a valuable asset in both types of races, and he’s determined to make the most of his opportunities.
The question now is whether van Aert’s gamble will pay off. Will his brief return to Belgium expose him to illness, or will he emerge unscathed and ready to challenge for victory in Milan-San Remo? Only time will tell.
Following Milan-San Remo, van Aert will likely focus on preparing for the northern Classics, including the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. These races are known for their challenging terrain and unpredictable weather, and they will require van Aert to be at his absolute best.
The cycling world will be watching closely to see how van Aert performs. He’s one of the sport’s biggest stars, and his presence adds excitement to any race. His ability to overcome adversity and compete at the highest level is a testament to his talent and determination.
The next confirmed checkpoint for Wout van Aert is Milan-San Remo this Saturday. Fans can follow live updates and coverage on Cyclingnews.com and FloBikes.com. The race promises to be a thrilling spectacle, and van Aert will undoubtedly be a key contender.
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