“It was death to the finish” - Wout van Aert on getting dropped on the Alto da Fóia at the Volta ao Algarve

It was a disappointing day for Wout van Aert at the Volta ao Algarve, as he was dropped in the final kilometre of the Alto da Fóia after being tipped as one of the favourites for the victory at the start of the stage. The Belgian rider eventually ended up in sixteenth position on the stage, losing 26 seconds to stage winner and new overall leader of the race Daniel Felipe Martínez.

In an interview with Het Laatste Nieuws after the stage, Van Aert explained what happened in the finale, stating that “I felt good for a long time on the final climb and believed in it until two kilometres from the finish, but then it turned out that it was fairly easy in the wheels. When they accelerated again, it was no longer possible”.

He also expressed his disappointment on not being able to contest the stage, but also took a lot on-board on how he needs to improve, as he said that “I need efforts like this to get better. My legs were completely sore at the end, I couldn't pedal really crazy values ​​anymore. It was death to the finish. But I still have to work on these efforts, so I am satisfied”.

Van Aert will be looking for better results in the coming stages, but is unlikely to contest the sprint on stage 3. The 22km time trial around Albufeira on stage 4 is probably his best chance of a victory ahead of the final stage to the summit of the Alto do Malhão to close out the race.