Views: 1
Wout van Aert is heading into the Tour of Flanders with a complex mix of emotions. On the one hand, his recent defeat at Dwars door Vlaanderen was a significant setback. Once considered the team’s undisputed leader for the cobbled Classics, that result has cast a shadow over his role and raised questions about his form and strategy. It wasn’t just the loss itself, but the way it unfolded—van Aert seemed off the pace at critical moments, unable to respond to decisive attacks, and lacking his usual dominance in the final. For a rider of his caliber, and given the expectations surrounding him, such a performance inevitably triggers scrutiny, both within his team and among fans and commentators. As a result, his status as the primary contender for Flanders may have subtly shifted, with the team perhaps considering a more open or dual-leadership approach.
Yet despite the disappointment, van Aert arrives at the Ronde with cautious optimism. Beneath the surface of that defeat, there are signs that his condition is finally coming around. This spring has been a challenging one for the Belgian star, marked by illness and setbacks that delayed his buildup to top form. But in recent races, his power output and race instincts have started to return. He’s not quite the all-conquering figure we’ve seen in previous seasons—at least not yet—but there’s a sense that the timing might still work in his favor. The Tour of Flanders is one of the toughest and most unpredictable races on the calendar. Form on the day, race intelligence, and a bit of luck play massive roles, and van Aert knows this better than most.
Moreover, he’s no stranger to adversity. Van Aert has repeatedly shown an ability to bounce back when underestimated. With less pressure on his shoulders compared to past editions, he might find the freedom to race more instinctively, without the burden of expectation. That, in turn, could make him even more dangerous. Whether he lines up as the sole leader or shares that role, he remains a rider capable of winning—perhaps even more so now that the spotlight has slightly shifted. For van Aert, Flanders represents both a challenge and an opportunity to remind everyone, including himself, of what he’s truly capable of.