Wout van Aert announced for Gravel race in Houffalize on Saturday

Later this year, Wout van Aert will be making another attempt at winning a World Championships title in 2023 at the Gravel Championships in Italy. His first preparation race has now been announced.

The Belgian rider who had top five finishes in Glasgow in both the men's elite road race and individual time-trial and earlier this year finished second at the Cyclocross World Championships will travel Houffalize on Saturday for his first UCI level gravel race.

“There are still a number of great races coming up this season, such as the Tour of Britain and the European Championships on the road in Drenthe. The intention is to finally ride the gravel world championship. I do find it useful to have ridden a gravel race in advance. This is a great opportunity, close to home,” says Van Aert about his participation.

"I've had a little rest now, so I'm not in the best shape," continues the Belgian. “But it's nice to test the material once and see how it goes in such a competition. I hope to learn something from the specialists who are at the start. It's nice to feel how it all works. I mainly ride here because I enjoy racing and showing myself to my supporters and the public. I am looking forward to the last part of my season, with some fun and new races. For example, it has been a long time since I focused on a European Championship. And the gravel is something that I just love to do.”