French ex-pro impressed by Wout Van Aert's composed ride in Liévin: "We should be showing our youngsters the exemplary behaviour of WVA"

While the overlord in Liévin was above sky clear, another rider presented arguably even more commendable performance. Wout Van Aert, despite being out of contention for rainbow stripes pretty much from the start, never gave up and managed to complete most of the course in the same pace as winner Mathieu van der Poel.

Recently retired professional Lilian Calmejane also witnessed the strong ride of Van Aert which made him hopeful of what we could see from the Belgian during the upcoming road season. "Chapeau to VDP's technical and physical dominance, but how can we not be seduced and show our youngsters the exemplary behaviour of WVA. Resilience, courage, calm, respect and serenity. We feel that he is hungry and we will have to count on him on the Ronde and Roubaix, believe me," he stated on his X account.

Last year was one-man show for the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider who, still in the rainbow stripes at the time, was a clear cut above the rest at both cobbled Monuments, winning by a difference of several classes. But that without the injured Van Aert nor Tadej Pogacar at the start.

In 2025, we should witness far more dramatic battle for the most valuable trophies in the peloton. Pogacar will extend his cobbled season to also ride some preparation races before Tour of Flanders, but the main rival for Van der Poel could once again be Van Aert.