The hair “neatly messy”, a can in his hand and a great desire to talk, Wout van aert he is a real host at Jumbo-Visma Service Course. After speaking to Belgian journalists, the champion opens up to the foreign press.
A long, all-round chat. The rider of the Jumbo Visma He's not super tight yet, but he seems to be on the right track. He has the relaxed face of someone who has observed a (well-deserved) regenerating break. After the World Cup he remained in Australia with his family. He will soon be back in the motocross shoes.
All about the classics
The first road goals for 2023 are the classics. His classics, the ones for which he has already started reconnaissance with the team. Also because there seems to be a desire for revenge compared to last season, when Covid prevented him from starting the Tour of Flanders.
«Covid aside – says Van Aert – the physical shape was very good, the best for the spring classics and for the Tour of Flanders. Then with that week off I found myself in good shape for Liège and Roubaix too."
And a stone is removed: «If I had known I would get Covid two days before Flanders, I probably would have gone to the World Cross Country Championships in the United States. A little regretful... But I like having a well-structured plan. I think last season was a great example of the fact that you can't always plan everything. You have to try to be in good shape at the right time.
«Last year I figured out how to stay in good shape during races. I was fine at Het Nieuwsblad, but I was even stronger in Harelbeke almost a month later. And I felt even stronger in Liège a month after that. I realized in my first year as a pro that this was something I had to figure out, and I think I did.
Natural leader
One thing we noticed while being “close” to Van Aert, between races and retirements, but also TV interviews, is his being a leader. And he is despite his important teammates. It's for the fans, it's for the coaches. So we ask him openly if he feels like a leader.
“A little bit,” Wout replies, pleased. “Every now and then, when I talk to my classmates, I feel a sort of respect, which is obviously very pleasant. I always try to make sure everyone feels welcome and motivated. I think being a leader is in my nature, I also like helping others.
«I know how it feels when someone is grateful to you and I think it's it is important that everyone receives attention, shouldn't be taken for granted. Ours isn't just a job, it's also a passion, which is why it's essential that everyone is motivated."
Even the fact of remaining in Belgium contributes to nourishing this leadership, this charisma. Last year at the World Championships in Leuven we saw live (and we told you) what Van Aert is for his country. When he's home and comes back from training, there are dozens of people waiting for him.
«And every now and then – he admits – someone is also knocking at the door. It's nice, it's a good thing. In Belgium, cycling is a very popular sport, and that's also why I make good money, enjoy life, and have to accept the fans.
«I have absolutely no intention of leaving Belgium. I enjoy living close to my family. Last year I slept more than 200 nights away from home, 70 percent of the year. I enjoy spending the remaining 30 at home."
The monuments
And his house is Herentals, the same town as Rik Van Looy, a giant of the past and one of the very few to have won all five Monument classics. It's often wondered whether Van Aert, given his versatility, can aim for a major Giro. But perhaps this goal, which is no less important, comes first.
«Winning – says Wout – All five Monuments is very difficult, but not impossible. It's already difficult to take part in all five Monuments in one year. So for now I'm only focusing on a few. If I now think about Lombardia and Liège (the toughest for him, ed.), I know I'll still need a bit of luck. I've been in the WorldTour for three years and I won Sanremo, so it would be stupid to say now: "Okay, I'll try all five." In the meantime, let's focus on the second one, then we'll see.
«I generally don't find anything truly impossible. And I think that's also what brought me here: otherwise, I'd still be a cyclocross racer. Doing new things motivates me.
«Last year, right after Covid, I called the team and told them I wanted to extend the Classics, try Liège. It would have been an opportunity to understand if it was for me. And if you end up on the podium without optimal preparation, you know that it is possible in the future."
«For now My goal is to win: to win as many races as possible, to win the classics and maybe wear the rainbow jersey one day."
About Ganna…
And who knows if among the impossible challenges, Van Aert also includes the Hour record. According to his partner Allied Products If it were just a question of “engine” Wout would be able to.
«What do I think of the Ganna's Record? That went fast! I don't think I can beat him. He's one of the best, maybe the best. He also has track experience, which is very important for the record.
«I'm not thinking of trying. And if I don't think I'll try, it's even more stupid to say, "I could beat him, but I won't." Ganna has set the bar very high and perhaps he could go even faster."
Wout also says he followed the record while on vacation and that his wife got upset because he was watching cycling. After all, even champions have the same problems as normal men! Filippo and Wout respect each other, despite the beating Ganna inflicted on him last year at home in the World Time Trial.
«That, in fact – says Van Aert – was a disappointment. I did that time trial because it was in Belgium, but in reality with my training I was focused on the road. But after losing by only 5 seconds, I thought I could have gone faster if I had really focused on it. That's why I was so disappointed."
Wout and Italy
The chatter goes on. Wout spares no words and speaks bluntly, with the confidence of a leader once again. Shoulders straight, face relaxed, and chin high. He doesn't even seem to think about what he has to say: he's natural, sincere, especially with himself. And from the ongoing gossip, Italy emerges.
«I don't know if I'll return to Tirreno – explains Van Aert – a lot will depend on my preparation and cross-country. I would love to return to Italy, not just for the Sanremo, but also for the Strade Bianche. Beautiful. I don't know about the Giro: the team is doing it. We'll see..."
Van Aert also came to Italy on holiday, specifically to Sardinia.
«I love Italy. I've run there, trained there, and vacationed there. I've been to Sardinia. I was at a dear friend's wedding, and I hope to be able to return soon because it's beautiful. The seas are the most beautiful I've ever seen. I've also been to Puglia, the Amalfi Coast, and Florence. And then the pasta... I like your way of eating: appetizer, first course, second course… It's so perfect!
