"We will really be able to tell what my level is like" - Wout van Aert anticipates cobbled classics return

Wout van Aert has been training quite consistently for several months now, first for the cyclocross season and then World Championships; but always with the road season as a priority. Over his first tests in Spain and Portugal he developed his form, and he aims for a win on the 'Opening Weekend'.

"I look back on the first races with a satisfied feeling. The goal was to win an extra percent in those first races and I think I succeeded," van Aert said in words on the Visma website ahead of the race.

The Clásica Jaén Paraiso Interior, his road debut this year, saw him struggle a bit and working for Ben Tulett's result on the day. At the Volta ao Algarve he couldn't take a marking result in one of the bunch sprints, but a second place in the final hilly time-trial (only behind teammate Jonas Vingegaard) was certainly a great sign of his improvement.

Van Aert now heads to Belgium, where he will be the only one of the 'big three' classics contenders who will participate in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and/or Kuurne - Bruxelles Kuurne. Tadej Pogacar rode the UAE Tour and will now race the Italian World Tour classics, whilst Mathieu van der Poel starts his season at Tirreno-Adriatico. 

"I found the confidence and fun and that has pleased me a lot. I think after next weekend we will really be able to tell what my level is like," the Team Visma | Lease a Bike rider believes. "The most important thing is that I felt better every day and took a step forward."

The Dutch team will have Matteo Jorgenson as a prime contender for this Saturday's race as well with no doubt, whilst on Sunday van Aert will be defending his title in a lineup that also includes Olav Kooij as a potential winner depending on the race situation.