"For Wout this is a huge relief" - Merijn Zeeman delighted to see Van Aert return to winning ways on stage 3 of the Vuelta a Espana

Six months is a long time to wait for someone was used to winning race as Wout van Aert, but that's how long it's been since his triumph back in February at Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne. On stage 3 of the 2024 Vuelta a Espana though, the Belgian superstar returned to winning ways with a powerful sprint in Castelo Branco.

"For Wout this is a huge relief," admitted Team Visma | Lease a Bike's Merijn Zeeman afterwards in conversation with Eurosport, admitting that the last six months have been a struggle for one of the team's star riders. "After everything that has happened and second places in the Tour de France. He was really looking forward to this."

Clearly, more than just joy from Van Aert himself, the whole Team Visma | Lease a Bike set up were delighted see that winning smile return to the face of the Belgian after such a long wait. “The boys were really determined to make it – in these warm conditions – into a sprint," Zeeman explains. "Robert Gesink really did a great job. Just like all the other riders.”

The choice for a Vuelta a Espana debut for Van Aert wasn't a last minute decision either. "In the winter there was already a plan to go to the Vuelta with Wout, normally in combination with the Giro d'Italia. After the rehabilitation the question was whether it was still feasible in combination with the Tour," Zeeman reveals. "Wout really wanted to start this Vuelta. He doesn't see the Tour as a preparation race, he just wants to race full out. Winning a stage was the first goal, but the points jersey is also a big goal. He will fight for it every day."

Van Aert himself admitted a great relief in his own post-stage interview following his win. "It's worth it to be patient," the Team Visma | Lease a Bike man reflected. "It's been a while but this feels so good!"