Wout van Aert ready for the classics after successful Paris-Nice: "I am thrilled"

Wout van Aert has only started his season two weeks ago but has already put on a string of incredible performances that have both brought him and Jumbo-Visma a lot of success. With the run-up to the classics perfect, the Belgian will now rest ahead of Milano-Sanremo, his first big goal of the season.

“I intended to stay with Primoz as long as possible. We tried to control the race, but the many climbs made it difficult," van Aert said after the finish. Jumbo - Visma managed to control the cold, rainy and windy start in Nice which threatened to put Roglic in trouble. When it was necessary, van Aert and Roglic had a ready response, and took the head of the race still in control.

"Towards the final, I thought we were in a good situation. I was hoping Primoz had the legs he always has, but he had a hard time today. I knew the second part of the climb would be a bit windier and it could be useful to be together there. From there, it was a matter of giving everything until the finish," he added. Despite his intense workload, van Aert was still capable of resisting the tough final climb towards the Col d'Èze, and almost reel back in Simon Yates who threatened to explode the team's week-long plans.

“It was a nice goal to go for the green jersey. I was in good shape today and grabbed some more points, so I was sure of this classification. I am thrilled that we took the overall victory," he concluded, having played a crucial role in the team's overall win whilst also grabbing a stage win and the points classification for himself.

Van Aert has expressed concerns last year that his efforts at Tirreno-Adriatico cost him explosiveness in the spring classics. Looking to avoid the same mistake, the Belgian distanced himself from the overall classification fight, not putting in big efforts in stages five and seven where the general classification was played out. Nevertheless, when it was needed the most, van Aert was in support of Roglic and together they succeeded in the team's objective.

With the win at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and a successful Paris-Nice, Wout van Aert is heading to Milano-Sanremo and the cobbled classics with incredible form, and will surely be a candidate for the victory at most races he takes to the start.