Sanremo, Italy – Wout van Aert is continuing to build form after recovering from a fractured ankle and illness, and is now eyeing additional races following his participation in Milan-San Remo. While his condition and ability to reach peak performance for the first monument of the season remain to be seen, questions linger about what the remainder of his spring campaign will look like.
The Visma-Lease a Bike rider has already demonstrated promising signs of form at Tirreno-Adriatico, a key preparation race for Milan-San Remo. He’s been working to regain “race hardness,” a crucial element that cannot be fully replicated in training, according to the Belgian star. Van Aert acknowledged the importance of the pace set by others in the peloton and the need to respond to attacks, stating, “You can’t simulate this function in training.”
While the Ronde van Vlaanderen and Paris-Roubaix remain firmly on his calendar, the schedule beyond those two prestigious classics had appeared sparse – particularly when compared to his programs in previous seasons. A notable omission was any commitment to several traditionally important Belgian races, including the E3 Saxo Classic, Gent-Wevelgem (now known as In Flanders Fields), and Dwars door Vlaanderen. These are events Van Aert has consistently prioritized in the past, barring unforeseen circumstances like injury or illness.
Still, ProCyclingStats, a well-respected cycling statistics website, recently added both In Flanders Fields and Dwars door Vlaanderen to Van Aert’s tentative program. This sparked speculation that the 2022 Tour de France stage winner might contest both races, potentially skipping the E3 Saxo Classic – a race he has won twice previously.
Despite the update on ProCyclingStats, Van Aert himself has not yet confirmed these additions. Speaking to HLN, he emphasized that his final decision will depend on his condition and needs following Milan-San Remo. “Outside of the Ronde van Vlaanderen and Paris-Roubaix, I still need to look at what my spring program will be after Milan-San Remo,” Van Aert said. “Of course, I will ride other races, but I will base that on what I need.”
This cautious approach is understandable given the challenges Van Aert has faced this season. A fractured ankle sustained during cyclocross in January disrupted his early preparations, and a subsequent illness forced him to miss Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. While he has shown improvement in recent races, including a 10th-place finish at Strade Bianche and strong performances at Tirreno-Adriatico, he is still building towards his peak form.
At Tirreno-Adriatico, Van Aert demonstrated his increasing strength by making a significant attack on Saturday’s stage, though he was eventually caught before the finish. He expressed satisfaction with his progress, stating he was “close to victory” in terms of how he felt. The stage 5 of Tirreno-Adriatico, featuring nearly 4000 meters of climbing, served as valuable preparation for the demands of Milan-San Remo, even though the courses differ.
Van Aert’s ability to regain his top form in time for Milan-San Remo will be a key factor in his success. The 300km+ race is notoriously difficult, requiring both endurance and tactical acumen. If he can successfully navigate the challenging course and contend for the win, it would be a significant boost to his confidence heading into the remaining classics.
The uncertainty surrounding his program beyond Milan-San Remo adds an intriguing element to the spring classics season. Fans will be watching closely to see which races Van Aert ultimately chooses to contest and how he performs as he continues his comeback from injury and illness. His participation in In Flanders Fields and Dwars door Vlaanderen would undoubtedly add excitement and depth to those events, but for now, his plans remain fluid.
The next confirmed checkpoint for Wout van Aert is Milan-San Remo on March 22nd. Following that, fans can expect further updates on his spring program from the Visma-Lease a Bike team and the rider himself. Stay tuned to Archysport for the latest developments.
What do you consider? Will Van Aert be a contender in Milan-San Remo? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
