“Milano-Sanremo is a race where many scenarios are possible” - Wout van Aert eyes Monument win as Visma bring multiple cards to play

For Team Visma | Lease a Bike, the defining question ahead of Milano-Sanremo is not how to control the race, but how to be present when it inevitably breaks apart.

In a Monument increasingly shaped by early aggression from Tadej Pogacar and the ability of riders like Mathieu van der Poel to absorb it, Visma arrive with a different kind of strength. Not a single, rigid plan, but a structure built to handle whatever the race becomes.

That approach begins with Wout van Aert, who returns to La Primavera after stepping away from the race in recent seasons, making a conscious decision to reinsert himself into a Monument that continues to evolve.

“I skipped Milano-Sanremo for a few years, but I definitely wanted to start there again this season,” he said in the team’s preview, pointing to a return driven by intent rather than obligation.

Van Aert’s position heading into the race is clear. He is not arriving as the dominant figure, but neither is he stepping back from the fight. “I’m not starting as the top favourite, but my goal is to win the race,” he said, before adding: “I absolutely believe in my chances.”

That balance reflects the reality of modern Sanremo. It is no longer a race that can be reduced to one rider imposing himself. Even Pogacar’s attempts to force the race open on the Cipressa have not been enough to guarantee separation. The finale has become a contest of survival, positioning, and timing rather than pure strength.

That is where Van Aert sees his opportunity. “Milano-Sanremo is a race where many scenarios are possible.”

His return also sits within a wider context. This is not a one-off target, but the beginning of a decisive Classics block. “It’s the start of an important month with many top classics. I hope to be competitive everywhere.”

The preparation reflects that outlook. Appearances at Strade Bianche and Tirreno-Adriatico have been used not to peak, but to build towards this period. “Overall, I’m satisfied with how I felt during those races,” Van Aert said. “I had a good week at Tirreno-Adriatico, where I was able to test myself several times.”

There is no overstatement, only clarity. “I’ve done everything I can to be ready.”

If Van Aert represents one path to victory, Visma’s lineup suggests they are not relying on just one.

With Matteo Jorgenson and Christophe Laporte both arriving in strong form, the team brings multiple riders capable of influencing the decisive moments of the race. That depth allows them to react rather than commit early.

Head of Racing Grischa Niermann made that point directly. “We can rely on a strong group,” he said. “In addition to Wout, riders like Matteo and Christophe have shown in recent races that they are in good form.”

That opens up more than one scenario in the finale. “With them, we can certainly play a role in the finale,” Niermann added, underlining a collective approach rather than a single focal point.

That is where Visma’s strategy diverges from the teams expected to drive the race from distance. They are not ignoring the likelihood of an aggressive Cipressa. But they are not building everything around initiating it either. Instead, their strength lies in reading the race as it develops and placing riders in the right positions when it matters most.

Van Aert’s final reflection hints at that awareness. “I really enjoyed watching last year’s exciting edition, so it’s extra motivating to be back at the start soon.”

He has seen how the race can unfold when the expected script breaks down. He has seen how close the margins are when the strongest riders are forced into direct confrontation.

This time, he returns with a team built to navigate that uncertainty. And in a race where the decisive moment is rarely predictable, that may be the most valuable asset of all.