Thomas Dekker believes Wout van Aert’s monument dream is dying: “Soon he will be happy to be second or third”

Wout van Aert endured a hugely underwhelming performance at the E3 Saxo Classic on Friday, failing to feature at any point in the decisive moves. The race was completely dominated by Mathieu van der Poel, who rode away from the field to take a commanding solo victory.

Van Aert, who had only just returned from an altitude training camp, appeared off the pace throughout. His subdued display raised eyebrows, particularly given how crucial this part of the Spring Classics calendar is for the Belgian star.

Speaking on the Live Slow, Ride Fast podcast, former pro Thomas Dekker expressed sympathy for Van Aert and lamented the absence of a head-to-head battle between the long-time rivals.

"I'm a cycling fan and you want to see a fight," Dekker said. "Milan-Sanremo was beautiful because Pogacar couldn't get Van der Poel off him, we've seen that duel so often in cyclo-cross. You want Van der Poel versus Van Aert. I feel that more than with Van der Poel versus Pedersen, because that has never really been a duel."

Having seen Van Aert return from training in the mountains, Dekker had hoped for a strong showing to kickstart the next phase of his Classics campaign. But with Van der Poel and Pogacar continuing to set a level above the rest, he now fears the coming weeks may follow a similar pattern.

"You hope that he comes down from the mountain and starts with a kick-start for the coming weeks. I hope not, but there is a big chance that it will not work out next week. Van der Poel and Pogacar are better than everyone, Van Aert has to make a big step."

Dekker also suggested that Van Aert’s attempts to influence races in recent weeks have fallen flat, not through a lack of effort, but through an apparent dip in power and sharpness.

"I see Van Aert lately occasionally trying to get away or close a gap, but he doesn't get there. He can't deliver the power to get away or put something right. The chance that that will be different next week is very small. Let alone that you are better than Van der Poel."

There is growing concern that Van Aert’s long-standing goal of winning a cobbled Monument could be slipping further from reach. Dekker warns that if expectations shift from winning to simply finishing on the podium, it could represent a turning point in the Visma rider's career.

"Everything is focused on winning a Monument, but soon he will be happy to be second or third. If that becomes the logic, there will simply be a change in his career."

While still backing Team Visma | Lease a Bike to remain competitive, Dekker admitted that expecting Van Aert to beat Van der Poel in his current form might not be realistic.

"But I'm still looking at Visma winning that race, and I think they'll be at the start like that too. Is that realistic? It doesn't seem like it. I think he'll be very happy if he finishes second or third. I hope that gives hope for an extra step in the future, because Van der Poel will also be less good at some point."