"It will be a completely different preparation for the Games than he did in 2021" - Could racing Giro d'Italia put Wout van Aert in prime position for Olympic Gold

If all the rumours and speculation are to be revealed, Wout van Aert will have a much different calendar in 2024 compared to recent years. Racing the Giro d'Italia instead of the Tour de France could leave the Belgian in prime position for Olympic Gold believes Sven Vanthourenhout.

“The Giro has not yet been officially determined, but I personally think it would not suit him badly," the Belgian national coach discusses in conversation with Wielerflits, casting an eye towards next summer's Paris Olympic Games. "It will be a completely different preparation for the Games than he did in 2021, but no less successful. Wout also knows what he has to do and is very motivated.”

Although the actual route of the men's road race isn't fully clear as of yet. Vanthourenhout believes one thing for certain is that the race will not finish in a sprint finale.

“A championship on a city circuit always provides a completely different experience than any other race or classic that exists. In terms of experience, it will be a bit like in Glasgow, but every race or course has its own facets," analyses the Belgian national coach. "It will always be different than the last time, but certainly difficult. I don't expect a bunch sprint, at most one from a thinned out group.”