"The knee is healing nicely, but my ribs still bother me" - Wout van Aert not at 100% for Paris-Roubaix
Cycling
Heading into Paris-Roubaix 2023 as one the pre-race favourites, Wout van Aert has moved to cool expectations with the Jumbo-Visma admitting he isn't yet back to full strength after falling in the Tour of Flanders.
"The knee is healing nicely, but my ribs still bother me and I also had some reaction after the reconnaissance," the 28-year-old tells NOS. "We will have to see to what extent that will burden me in the race," he continues before admitting that "in theory" he enters the race at less than 100 percent.
Following victory at the E3 Saxo Classic, podium finishes at Milano-Sanremo and Gent-Wevelgem, van Aert had to settle for fourth at last weekend's Tour of Flanders and amazingly for someone as naturally talented as he is, van Aert has just the sole monument victory to his name from Sanremo in 2020.
"I have concluded that I have ridden super well in recent weeks and that I cannot blame myself," says van Aert who will ride amongst an icredibly strong Jumbo-Visma line up that includes last year's winner Dylan van Baarle and inform Christophe Laporte. "However, we expected a lot from De Ronde and it is always difficult to take."
Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
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leedorney08-11-2026 - To Twoje przemyślenia te bla, bla :)
Dariusz08-11-2026 - Uwielbiam patrzeć, jak wyjeżdża na czoło peletonu i zaczyna się rzeź...Dariusz08-11-2026
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parisbound0008-11-2026 - there needs to be space in life for pointless comments!Ketterechts08-11-2026
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