"I'll probably face Mathieu then" - Wout van Aert expects van der Poel on gravel finish at Tirreno-Adriatico

Wout van Aert had his first test of the season at Strade Bianche where a 10th place was a promising sign of good form. Today at Tirreno-Adriatico, the riders find a finale right after a sterrato sector where the Belgian is going to be tested once again, however with better chances of a victory as the stage overall is much easier.

"Am I ready? Yes. It's a very challenging stage, with a steep gravel section at the end. There's also a climb in the final kilometer," Van Aert said in words to VTM Nieuws. "I'm definitely ambitious. The last seven kilometers are one long effort. It's hard to say what the crucial point is. If you end up in a gap on the gravel, it'll be difficult to close the gap. I feel good and I'm looking forward to it."

It's a finale that is not ideal for the Team Visma | Lease a Bike rider, with a 7% climb to the finish for over 1 kilometer, however he should nevertheless be present if the bad luck doesn't catch up with him once more, as it has already several times this year. Fight for positioning into the gravel will be absolutely key, and it will ultimately be a long effort between this, the treacherous sector and the two hilltops in and right after the gravel road comes to an end. It is one of the stages that suit the classics specialists in this race, and ultimately comes as a good opportunity for Van Aert.

"I hope I can fight for the stage win. And I'll probably face Mathieu then," he is aware. For the first time in three years, aside from the Tour de France, the two meet in a stage-race; and Tirreno-Adriatico is frequently the location where they face off. However, after his win at Omloop het Nieuwsblad, the Dutchman has given better signs coming into the Italian race, and is the main favourite to win today's stage alongside Isaac del Toro.