Michel Wuyts hopeful for Wout van Aert at Paris-Roubaix 2025: “Whoever can drop Van Aert from their wheel can count themselves blessed"

With Wout van Aert still searching for his first road win of the 2025 season, where better for the Belgian to take the victory than this Sunday at Paris-Roubaix? In truth, few are giving the Visma superstar much hope, but in the opinion of Belgian cycling expert Michel Wuyts, the dream is very much alive.

"As has been the case for the past five years, Van Aert remains our prime hope. And that hope is justified,” explains Wuyts of the Belgian hopes at this year's edition of 'The Hell of the North' in conversation with Het Laatste Nieuws, backing his compatriot to seize any opportunity that arises this coming weekend. “Give this terrier a bone, and he’ll snap it in two.”

“Even though he once again didn’t sprint for the win in Oudenaarde (Van Aert finished 4th at the Tour of Flanders ed.), his stubborn determination was striking," continues Wuyts. “Whoever can drop Van Aert from their wheel can count themselves blessed a week before Easter.”

A factor that potentially goes against Van Aert though, is the comparative lack of experience of his Team Visma | Lease a Bike teammates as opposed to the team's supporting rivals such as Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Pogacar and Mads Pedersen among others.

“Christophe Laporte is out, Matteo Jorgenson is resting, and Tiesj Benoot is skipping the race to prepare for the Amstel,” Wuyts notes. “Van Aert will be riding with highly talented youngsters like Niklas Behrens and Matthew Brennan, but rookies on their first journey through hell usually take a painful beating. Edoardo Affini and Julien Vermote will be vital during the early, intense hours.”

“Dylan van Baarle’s performance will be essential," continues Wuyts. “He’s broken bones four times in three years, but he is a former winner. And he’s the same height as Van Aert. That might come in handy if a bike change is needed. Prayers are already in order for Dylan to make it safely through Arenberg.”

And although, as mentioned, Van Aert is yet to taste victory in 2025, Wuyts is confident his compatriot will be able to give the race the finishing touch should the chance arise. "Van Aert hasn’t shown a single standout sprint this spring. But if it has to come down to one, let it be against Pogacar. He gets dizzy when you force the pace high through the banking,” concludes the analyst's assessment of what could be to come.