Wout van Aert: "I was keen to win today, the form is just good"

Wout van Aert has added another accomplishment to his list of achievements with his victory in the X2O Trofee Koksijde. He was able to establish a significant gap in the fourth lap, which he then managed to hold onto for the remainder of the competition, ultimately celebrating his sixth victory of the season.

"I don't think I ride through the sand as the very best, but the form is just good," Van Aert said in the post-race interview. He continues, "That usually only comes out in the second half.”

The choice to swap out his tires proved to be a crucial factor in van Aert's success, as the rain made the track slippery. "That change was crucial though. This afternoon it had also rained a bit, but that didn't affect the grass too much. So I dared to start with slicks. But during the cross it started to rain harder. I didn't want to have to keep taking risks on the grass, so I quickly decided to change. For me that was a good choice," explains the Jumbo Visma rider.

The victory at Koksijde holds great personal significance for Wout van Aert, as he was already delighted to have the opportunity to compete there. To win on top of that only added to the joy of the experience. "That's just a bit for show. I hope people appreciate that a bit. I was keen to win today though. Not necessarily because I had lost in Herentals, but I didn't ride in Koksijde for a very long time, due to injuries and the calendar not allowing it. I am happy that the race now fell in this week and that I could win here," concluded van Aert.