Wout van Aert is "ready for the World Championships" Jumbo-Visma DS Zeeman confirms

Wout van Aert is set to ride the World Championships in the coming hours, a day which will be crucial for many riders who will have the opportunity to take on the rainbow jersey. Jumbo-Visma DS Merijn Zeeman has talked of his chances.

“I think he is very good. It's very clever how he turned the switch. After the Tour de France we gave him a lot of rest. After that we let Wout drive a very modest program," Zeeman told Wielerflits. "But otherwise it is as we know Wout: his training experience, the obsession in everything… Van Aert is a phenomenal athlete. He did everything in his power to be able to peak one more time. I think he's ready for the World Championships."

Alongside Remco Evenepoel, Quinten Hermans and Jasper Stuyven, Belgium comes with several weapons. "He has a strong team around him and I really hope that Belgium has a good plan, whereby they maximize the chance that they can win," Zeeman commented. So far several races have not been incredibly selective, which could favour the likes of van Aert who would benefit from a sprint. Taking into consideration his success of this year, many have reasonably hinted at him as the man to beat. 

“In my opinion, Wout is the biggest contender for them, with Remco Evenepoel as a super lightning rod. They can make each other better and their World Championships stands or falls with that. Wout is a big contender. I wouldn't say top favorite, because before that we saw Tadej Pogacar and a few more. But Wout will do very well from that role," he concluded.