Wout van Aert’s pursuit of the rainbow jersey has gained significant momentum following the confirmed absence of two-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar from the upcoming World Championships road race in Montréal. The Belgian star acknowledged that the start list reshuffle fundamentally alters the competitive dynamics for Sunday’s prestigious event.
Strategic Shifts After a Challenging Tour de France
Van Aert’s focus on the autumn World Championships did not materialize overnight. The groundwork was laid in late June, when a difficult Tour de France campaign forced Visma-Lease a Bike and the rider to pivot toward new seasonal objectives. Looking back at that summer reset, Van Aert noted that the Vuelta a España and the Canadian one-day races immediately emerged as primary targets.
Having successfully completed the grueling Spanish Grand Tour, Van Aert arrives in Montréal with familiarity regarding the local circuit. However, the veteran rider cautioned against relying entirely on past performances, emphasizing that the sheer distance of the World Championship road race makes it a completely different test compared to standard WorldTour stops.
A Course Favored by Classics Specialists Over Pure Climbers
Unlike the mountainous terrains featured at recent or upcoming world title races, the Montréal circuit offers a distinct tactical profile. Van Aert pointed out that the course differs sharply from previous editions in Rwanda or upcoming venues like Sallanches, which heavily favor pure climbers. The composition of the start list in Canada reflects a broader spectrum of contenders, opening the door for powerful classics riders who can handle sustained power climbs.
“It is anyway a tough task, but I think it is a very different World Championship than last year in Rwanda or next year in Sallanches, where opportunities lie exclusively for the climbers and you can see that in the starting field as well,” Van Aert said.
The Pogačar Factor and Competitive Realities
The withdrawal of Pogačar removes the race’s most dominant and unpredictable aggressor from the peloton. While Van Aert admitted that measuring himself against the Slovenian star would have provided a thrilling challenge, he was frank about what the absence means for his own tactical aspirations.
“I was really looking forward to this, also with Tadej there, but it does increase my chances,” Van Aert stated.
At the same time, Van Aert maintained a respectful perspective on the circumstances surrounding the Slovenian’s absence, noting that losing a premier competitor is a disappointment for the sport. “That he is not there is just a pity. You don’t wish that on anyone, and certainly not such a peer that you ultimately have to race against.”
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