Gent-Wevelgem, Belgium – As Wout van Aert prepares for the grueling Ronde van Vlaanderen, a surprising voice has offered strategic advice: former world champion Johan Museeuw. Museeuw believes a shift in tactics, focusing on conservation and capitalizing on rivals’ efforts, could be the key to Van Aert finally conquering “Vlaanderen’s Mooiste” – one of cycling’s most prestigious one-day races.
The advice comes after observing Van Aert’s performance at Gent-Wevelgem, where he demonstrated the ability to withstand a powerful surge from Mathieu van der Poel on the Kemmelberg. This resilience, according to Museeuw, signals a crucial improvement in Van Aert’s explosiveness and positions him as a genuine contender for the Ronde van Vlaanderen title.
Past Struggles on the Kwaremont
For the past two editions of the Ronde van Vlaanderen, the Oude Kwaremont has proven to be a decisive, and painful, point for Van Aert. It’s the climb where he’s consistently been forced to relinquish contact with the leading group. Museeuw, however, anticipates a different outcome this year, contingent on a carefully executed strategy. “He has to just follow and stay in the wheel,” Museeuw stated in a recent appearance on the VRT program, De Afspraak. The emphasis is on preserving energy and avoiding unnecessary exertion on the race’s pivotal ascents.
The Ronde van Vlaanderen, held annually in early April, is renowned for its punishing climbs and cobblestone sections. The Oude Kwaremont and the Paterberg are particularly feared, often serving as launchpads for race-winning attacks. Understanding the course profile and the timing of these key moments is critical for any rider hoping to succeed.
Exploiting the Competition
Museeuw’s advice isn’t simply about conserving energy. it’s about strategically leveraging the strengths of Van Aert’s rivals. He suggests Van Aert should position himself to benefit from the efforts of top favorites like Tadej Pogačar and Mathieu van der Poel, allowing them to expend energy while he remains sheltered in their draft. “Just take advantage for a moment and beat them both at the finish line,” Museeuw explained, painting a picture of a triumphant sprint to the finish. “Then Belgium will be on its head.”
This approach acknowledges the formidable challenge posed by Van der Poel and Pogačar, both of whom have demonstrated exceptional form this season. Van der Poel, in particular, has been aggressive in recent races, testing the limits of his competitors. Museeuw believes Van Aert’s ability to withstand Van der Poel’s attack at Gent-Wevelgem was a significant psychological boost.
A Mental Shift After Gent-Wevelgem
The confrontation with Van der Poel wasn’t merely a physical test; it was a crucial gauge of Van Aert’s current condition. “Even though Van der Poel had a relatively off day, he still wanted to test how far Wout van Aert is in terms of explosiveness,” Museeuw noted. Van Aert successfully passed that test, and Museeuw believes this success should instill a newfound confidence in the Belgian rider.
“It had to give Van Aert a boost,” Museeuw emphasized. The ability to respond to Van der Poel’s acceleration on the Kemmelberg suggests that Van Aert possesses the raw power necessary to compete with the best in the world. However, translating that power into a victory at the Ronde van Vlaanderen will require a disciplined and tactical approach.
Museeuw’s assessment highlights the importance of mental fortitude in cycling. The Ronde van Vlaanderen is not only a physical challenge but also a mental one, demanding riders to remain focused and resilient in the face of adversity. Van Aert’s ability to overcome past disappointments on the Kwaremont will be crucial to his success.
The Road Ahead: Ronde van Vlaanderen
The 2026 Ronde van Vlaanderen is scheduled for Sunday, April 5th. The race will cover approximately 265 kilometers (165 miles) of challenging terrain, featuring numerous cobblestone sections and steep climbs. The Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg are expected to be decisive points in the race, and Van Aert’s ability to navigate these climbs effectively will be paramount.
Museeuw’s advice is a clear call for Van Aert to abandon his previous strategy of attempting to match every attack. Instead, he should focus on conserving energy, staying in the wheels of his rivals, and launching a decisive attack in the final kilometers. This approach, Museeuw believes, will maximize Van Aert’s chances of securing a historic victory and sending Belgium into a frenzy of celebration.
The pressure is undoubtedly on Van Aert to deliver. He has consistently been among the top contenders in the spring classics, but a victory at the Ronde van Vlaanderen has eluded him thus far. With Museeuw’s guidance and a renewed sense of confidence, Van Aert may finally be poised to achieve his long-awaited dream.
Following the Ronde van Vlaanderen, Van Aert is expected to compete in the Amstel Gold Race and Liège-Bastogne-Liège, continuing his spring classics campaign. His performance in these races will be closely watched as he aims to solidify his position as one of the world’s leading cyclists.
What do you think? Can Wout van Aert follow Museeuw’s advice and take the win at the Ronde van Vlaanderen? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
