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."