"The classics will always remain Wout's primary focus, but he will never abandon time trials" - Jumbo-Visma coach evaluates Wout Van Aert's ITT performance

After the World Championship time trial podium in Scotland was occupied by Remco Evenepoel of Soudal Quick-Step and Filippo Ganna and Joshua Tarling of INEOS Grenadiers, the latter managed to win the European Championship in Emmen on Wednesday. Jumbo-Visma, undoubtedly the dominant time trial team in recent years, had to settle for Wout van Aert's bronze medal.

Head of Performance Mathieu Heijboer also traveled to Drenthe on behalf of the Belgian leader for additional coaching. He saw Van Aert's third-place finish as a commendable result. "I think Wout rode a solid time trial. There were some doubts after the World Championships, but I believe he delivered an excellent performance here. The in-depth analysis is still pending, but I observed that he coped well with the challenging conditions, including strong winds. He maintained his position effectively, so he will leave here with a more positive feeling than after the World Championships," he commented, referring to Van Aert's fifth-place in Stirling.

"It has been a highly emotional week, during which he also fell ill," Heijboer also noted. "That has undoubtedly affected how he is here. Tarling is nevertheless the deserved winner." The young Brit did not surprise the Jumbo-Visma time trial guru. "He was already the favorite for us and didn't start last for nothing. With what he shows here, he demonstrates a different level than the rest."

The Dutchman does not think the significant gap with winner Tarling demotivates Van Aert. "The classics will always remain Wout's primary focus, but he will never abandon time trials. It is an incredibly beautiful discipline, in which it is very motivating to stay engaged."