08/08/2023

"I don't think that's a secret" - Wout van Aert likely to race Gravel World Championships according to Jan Bakelants

Wout van Aert has during the spring done a bikepacking trip on his gravel bike, and having his obvious off-road talents, he may race the new Gravel World Championships. Jan Bakelants said so, having ridden with the Belgian runner-up at the men's road race Worlds.

“I think there is a good chance that he will take part in the Gravel World Championships. I don't think that's a secret. The team has to allow it, but it is an option that he participates," Bakelants revealed in the Wuyts and Vlaeminck podcast I think he will. "Van der Poel also did it last year.”

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Mathieu van der Poel rode to third last year in a race that proved quite successful, bringing a whole array of stars into it's first edition, with Gianni Vermeersch taking on the victory and the rainbow jersey. The Belgian national team will already have the task of defending the title and van Aert could try to go for the rainbow jersey in the third discipline this year.

Bakelants himself will also be racing, but in a different category and not alongside the men's elite race. “I am qualified, but only in my age group, I think. I only want to ride if I can start with the real pros. I know that I certainly have no chance, but then I have the experience of having ridden with the real professionals.”