Fred Wright: "I want to become the British Wout Van Aert"

Fred Wright has had a strong and consistent 2022 season but he is aiming higher, having the goal of actually becoming the "British Wout van Aert", a rider who he resembles, however on a more modest level.

"I love the Flemish Classics and I look forward already to Omloop Het Nieuwsblad," Wright told Het Nieuwsblad during the ongoing Six Days of Ghent. "I want to be at my best in these races and win one. If I could choose, I'd go with Tour of Flanders, but I'll have to beat Wout van Aert. He's out of this world."

Wright rode to a 7th place at the Tour des Flandres, attacking at a critical time with Dylan van Baarle. He was close to maiden Tour de France win on stage 13 when only Mads Pedersen outsprinted him out of a breakaway.

At the Vuelta a Espana he found himself in the exact same position on stage 19. There, he finished five times on the Top4 and finished second in the points classification. His climbing abilities, combined with his ability to sprint in short groups has seen Wright headline the Grand Tours this year, and he will be looking to do the same in 2023.

However, he's further complimented van Aert, whom he faced at the Tour dr France. "The way Van Aert won his stage at Le Tour in yellow (stage 4, ed.)... I was there, but climbed 20" slower. If I ever come close to his level, I'd be happy. I'm still young and there's room for progress, but I admit: I want to become the British Wout Van Aert," he concluded.