“It’s back on the schedule at my request” - Wout van Aert returns to Strade Bianche for first time since 2021

For Wout van Aert, the white roads of Tuscany hold some special memories. Four years after his last appearance at Strade Bianche, the Belgian will line up once again in Siena on Saturday, having personally asked for the race to be reintroduced into his programme.

Speaking ahead of the race in comments released by Team Visma | Lease a Bike, Van Aert explained that his return was a deliberate choice as part of his spring build-up.

“It’s been a while since I last lined up at the start of Strade Bianche. Together with the team, we decided to skip the race for a few seasons, but this year it’s back on the schedule at my request.”

The Belgian’s decision brings him back to one of the races where he has previously been one of the most consistent performers in the peloton.

Van Aert’s record at Strade Bianche is remarkably strong despite relatively few appearances. In four previous starts, he has taken three podium finishes, including a commanding victory in 2020.

That win came after an attacking ride on the gravel sectors outside Siena before he powered up the steep Via Santa Caterina climb to celebrate in the Piazza del Campo.

His earlier appearances also showed his affinity with the race. On his debut in 2018, he finished third, repeating that result the following year before claiming victory in 2020. His most recent start came in 2021, when he finished 13th.

The race’s combination of sterrato sectors, punchy climbs and technical positioning battles has always suited riders with strong bike handling skills and repeated explosive power. Van Aert’s cyclocross background has long made him one of the natural contenders whenever he appears on the startline.

This year’s return comes after a less than ideal lead in to the spring campaign. Van Aert began his season earlier this week at Le Samyn, but his preparation has been complicated by both injury and illness.

“I’ll arrive at the start in Siena with more question marks than I had hoped,” he admitted. “I had marked Strade Bianche as the first real big goal of the season, but we’ll have to see how I feel on Saturday.”

Despite those uncertainties, motivation remains high as he begins an important block of racing in Italy. “The combination of Strade Bianche and Tirreno-Adriatico seems like a good preparation for our other goals later in the spring,” Van Aert explained.

Van Aert will not be the only card for Visma to play in Tuscany. Matteo Jorgenson, who has already impressed in the early season races in France, is also expected to play a leading role.

“In any case, I’m highly motivated to show myself. We’re lining up with a strong team. Matteo has already shown good form in the French spring races. We can definitely aim for a top result,” Van Aert said.

Sports director Maarten Wynants emphasised that preparation and clarity of tactics are crucial in a race as unpredictable as Strade Bianche.

“Strade Bianche is one of the most challenging races on the calendar,” Wynants said. “Because of the chaos, it’s not easy to make adjustments from the team car, so it’s important to have a clear plan beforehand.”

With a former winner returning to the race and a deep lineup built for the gravel sectors, Visma arrive in Siena hoping to once again play a decisive role on the white roads of Tuscany.