"I hope to impress the fans with an attractive riding style" - Wout van Aert all in for 'multiple stage wins' on Giro d'Italia debut

For the first time in his career, Wout van Aert will take on the Giro d'Italia in 2024. Contrary to rumours of him mounting a potential general classification challenge however, the Belgian remains insistent that stage wins are his big goal.

"I've never ridden the Giro, so it's exciting to be at the start. It feels like the right time to choose something new," the Belgian superstar opens up in conversation with the official website of Team Visma | Lease a Bike. "Because my goal is to do well in the spring classics, it requires careful planning. It's a question of choices and sacrifices."

As mentioned, van Aert isn't planning to challenge for overall victory of the Maglia Rosa, despite rumours to the contrary in recent months. "The target is a stage win in Italy. I'm hoping to win several stages," he insists.

Doing a three-week stage race this early in the season is something completely new to van Aert however and he admits he's unsure how his form will be by the time the race reaches Rome. "It's a very demanding route. I have already identified some exciting stages. I will pick my days and see how it goes," he previews. "It takes some getting used to to start the season like this, knowing that I will be riding the Giro."

"We will also be starting in Italy with a strong team. This makes the challenge even more attractive," van Aert continues, eyeing more Visma success to open the 2024 Grand Tour calendar. "With Olav Kooij we hope to be strong on the flat stages. We also have some strong and talented climbers in the provisional selection for the Giro."

With the Giro and the Olympic Games key to van Aert's calendar this year though, there will be no Tour de France for the first time since 2018. "I hope to excel in the Olympic time trial in Paris. It takes place right after the Tour. That was one of the many factors in my decision to have a different programme in 2024," he explains. "It will probably take some adjustment before the Giro, but I am confident about the route and I am looking forward to chasing stage wins."

"The combination of the classics and the Giro requires special preparation, as I said, but I'm excited to make my debut in Italy," the Belgian concludes. "I hope to impress the fans with an attractive riding style. I have had a good feeling about this Italian adventure since day one. I hope to confirm that feeling with some stage wins in May. I'm looking forward to it."