Wout van Aert "tested well today with a tough race" ahead of World Championship

Wout van Aert demonstrated superior cycling abilities as he sailed to victory in the X2O Trofee Hamme on Saturday, effortlessly creating a significant lead over his competitors and ultimately claiming the top spot.

"It was still a tough race, I was alone for a long time," van Aert said in the post-race interview. He continues, "But of course, I am happy with how it went. Every time my thoughts strayed a tad, I made a mistake. Then you get woken up right away. It was really about keeping the head and counting down the difficult lanes."

He began the race with an advantage but after a bike change, he fell behind, however, he still managed to assert himself as the leader. "At one point, I had a gap when I came up the road. I think they were kind of looking at each other then, so then I didn't have to wait anymore of course," said the Jumbo-Visma rider.

With the World Championship next week, today's performance served as a preview of the level of competition he will bring to the starting line. "So that together with today I make it a nice two days. I deliberately saved myself the trip to Besançon, to take advantage of that. After tomorrow it's rest and on to next week. I tested myself well today with a tough race,” concluded van Aert.