"Wout has finally started to use his mind" - Tom Boonen on Wout van Aert's calendar choices

Wout van Aert was forced to leave behind his plans to race Strade Bianche as he prepares for the cobbled classics later this spring. A decision that was not easy but comes as a smart choice within the Belgian community, lthough there are different opinions.

"Perhaps Wout should have also scrapped the Tirreno. Then he could spend 2 weeks longer on altitude training and work towards the desired level," former pro Jan Bakelants said in Sporza's Wielerclub Wattage podcast. "I find it strange that Wout cancels for one of his dream races. Wout is a super champion. But if you see where he makes an appearance everywhere, then he has to pay for it somewhere. His battery cannot continue to run out endlessly."

Tirreno-Adriatico is set to receive most of the riders preparing for Milano-Sanremo and many who are racing the cobbled classics too, with it's long stages, difficult terrain making for good opportunities to test the legs. An illness during his training camp in Tenerife has seen him miss out on some days of training, which he now compensates with the absence from the Italian race.

"Wouldn't it have been better if Wout had also canceled for that race? It's always normal that Wout immediately comes to participate to win. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to adjust expectations a bit," Bakelants argues. Nevertheless, van Aert returns to mainland Europe to start Tirreno-Adriatico on the 6th of March where he will prime his form ahead of the main classics.

"I think Wout has finally started to use his mind. He no longer wants to try to be good everywhere and now picks his races," Tom Boonen argued. "Wout will be 29, he won't get that many chances to compete for a win in the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix."

With Jumbo-Visma also dominating the classics so far, there is no pressure on van Aert. However, without a win at the Tour des Flandres and Paris-Roubaix yet in his palmarès, the pressure is on for a big win to fall this spring. "If Wout falls ill or falls in the spring in the coming years, then only 2 or 3 chances will be left. It's just time to win those top classics."

"I also fell ill in 2011, the day before the Tirreno. I carried that with me for a whole spring. I did win Gent-Wevelgem that year and finished 4th in the Tour of Flanders. But I was never top then," the Belgian legend exemplified.

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