"I didn’t have my best feeling today": Wout van Aert settles for sixth in Dendermonde

Wout van Aert finished sixth at the UCI World Cup Dendermonde, after an aggressive but ultimately unrewarded ride on a fast and hard-packed course that contrasted with the muddy conditions that usually characterize the race. Van Aert started as one of the main favourites, as he was the winner last year.

The high pace from the opening lap made it difficult to move up through the field, with riders such as Niels Vandeputte, Ryan Kamp and Felipe Orts setting the tempo. As the race progressed, Van Aert gradually worked himself into a more favourable position.

Just over halfway through the race, Van Aert took the initiative at the front of the leading group. However, despite the tempo increase, he wasn't able to open any meaningful gaps, and the front riders remained closely matched.

In the final laps, Van Aert lost several positions, which didn't allow him to contest the final sprint for the victory. He finished in sixth position, just 8 seconds behind the winner of the day Thibau Nys.

“It was a difficult race with many possible scenarios,” Van Aert explained after the finish in comments on Visma's official website. “Heading into the finale I was in a good position, but in the last two laps I let myself get passed a bit too easily.”

Van Aert also acknowledged that his sensations were not at their peak. There are plenty of races left, however, so he still has time to keep improving. “I didn’t have my best feeling today, but I’ll take this effort with me going forward,” he said. “Tomorrow there’s already another opportunity waiting in Loenhout.”

The X2O Badkamers Trofee Azencross - Loenhout, taking place tomorrow, will be an even harder test for the Belgian, as Mathieu van der Poel is expected to appear at the start. The Dutch rider has won the last 16 races he has participated in, although his last defeat was at UCI World Cup Benidorm in January 2024, a race won by no other than Van Aert.