Wout van Aert eager to test form into decisive cobbled classics block: "E3 is very similar to the Tour of Flanders"

Wout van Aert began his season the earlier he's ever done throughout his career and is in an ongoing schedule that is different than anything he's done in the past. He's hoping for the risk to pay off, and will gauge his current form at the crucial E3 Saxo Classic.

"The last three weeks have gone well. I have spent many hours in a quiet and beautiful environment and have completed my entire schedule," van Aert said in a press release issued by Team Visma | Lease a Bike ahead of the Belgian classic. "Of course, it is always exciting to try something new. I have often responded well to a training camp at altitude. I am confident that it will be the same this time."

After winning at the Volta ao Algarve and Kuurne - Bruxelles - Kuurne, the Belgian once again focused on the training aspect of his preparation. Trying not to overextend himself, he opted not to race Paris-Nice, Tirreno-Adriatico or Milano-Sanremo; but instead do a three-week altitude camp with the absolute priority being in the cobbled monuments.

He has now came back down to Belgium and will be racing against the likes of Mathieu van der Poel and Mads Pedersen at the race where he beat van der Poel and Pogacar last year. "E3 is very similar to the Tour of Flanders. It's a lovely race. I'm curious to see how strong I am after the altitude training. I have been feeling good all winter and have kept my biggest goals in mind."

This is all with the ultimate goal of reaching Flanders and Roubaix at the best state possible. Whilst key teammate Christophe Laporte will be absent due to illness and is not looking to promising ahead of the big races, van Aert will be able to count on Matteo Jorgenson who is on thriving form and is just off the back of beating Remco Evenepoel at Paris-Nice.

"I have been working hard the last few months. It should pay off this month. I'm really looking forward to E3 and everything that follows," he concludes.