"Just follow and sit on the wheel" - Johan Museeuw advises Wout Van Aert not to work with Pogacar and van der Poel anymore

Johan Museeuw is a three-time winner of the Tour of Flanders and compatriot of Wout Van Aert, Belgium's biggest card to take the win this Sunday. But doing so will not only require the very best level from him, but also luck and perhaps risky tactics.

"He withstood a challenge from Mathieu van der Poel on the Kemmelberg [...] For the past two years, he had to drop back on the Oude Kwaremont," Museeuw said on De Afspraak, as a positive sign of the Belgian's current form ahead of his first big goal of the season.

The two have followed similar paths entering the cobbled monuments, using Tirreno-Adriatico as a big stepping stone in their preparation, and both showing great legs at Milano-Sanremo. This previous Sunday, the cobbled classic provided the first real clash between the two, with both attacking the final two ascents of the Kemmelberg respectively, albeit not dropping each other.

The duo collaborated in the flat roads to the finish but could not succeed in their attack. In Museeuw's opinion, van der Poel is stronger at the moment, and Van Aert should put aside the mutual respect and refuse to work with the Dutchman if given the opportunity.

"What should he do in my opinion? Just follow and sit on the wheel. Just take advantage for a moment and beat them both at the finish line. Then Belgium will be turned upside down".

Doing so is very difficult, even if executed to perfection, as Tadej Pogacar should be the man to beat and his climbing level is superior to all, even in the more explosive efforts of the Flandrien bergs. But Van Aert looks better prepared than 12 months ago to take on the challenge.

"Although Van der Poel had a relatively off day, he still wanted to test how far Wout van Aert has come in terms of explosiveness. He passed that test well. It was meant to give Van Aert a boost." Dwars door Vlaanderen this Wednesday could see Van Aert take his first win of the year, which would on paper provide further confidence.

"It should give him the determination not to drop back on the Oude Kwaremont and the Paterberg and to win the Tour of Flanders for the first time."

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