Wout van Aert: It's wise to focus on more than Alaphilippe and Van der Poel in Strade Bianche
“It’s one of the strongest fields we've seen over the year so I think it's wise to keep an eye on more guys”
Wout van Aert has said Strade Bianche 2021 “has one of the strongest fields we’ve seen,” as Classics stars and Tour de France champions line up in Siena.
This year’s edition of the Italian one-day race, taking place on Saturday (March 6), features some of the biggest names, including race favourites Mathieu van der Poel and Julian Alaphilippe.
But Jumbo-Visma rider Van Aert says it’s wise to be wary of more than just Van der Poel (Alpecin-Fenix) and Alaphilippe (Deceuninck - Quick-Step), with the likes of Jakob Fuglsang, Tadej Pogačar, and Egan Bernal all set to race.
Speaking after his recon of the course earlier this week, 26-year-old Van Aert said: “Alaphilippe and Van der Poel are two guys you definitely have to keep an eye on, but there are lot more strong riders in this race than in the Opening Weekend.
“It’s one of the strongest fields we've seen over the year so I think it's wise to keep an eye on more guys.”
>>> Five things to look out for at Strade Bianche 2021
He added: “It’s probably the strongest fields in a one-day race. Traditionally there are a lot of climbers in this race - guys like Fuglsang [Astana-Premier Tech] and Pogačar [UAE Team Emirates] now, and Bernal [Ineos Grenadiers].
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
“It shows how much importance this race has.”
Van Aert will be making his 2021 debut on the road on Saturday, after an intensive winter cyclocross season.
The Belgian has been training in Tenerife for the last three weeks, where he has been racking up Strava KoMs on a number of tough, steep climbs.
Van Aert’s team have been eager to down-play their star rider’s chances of victory in Siena, saying he will not be at his best this early in the season.
But after his success in last year’s race, Van Aert is among the bookies’ favourites to take the win, just behind the outright favourite Mathieu van der Poel.
>>> How to watch Strade Bianche 2021: Live stream the picturesque Italian one-day race
On choosing to skip the Classics Opening Weekend in Belgium, Van Aert said: “It's not so much that we are copying last year's recipe with getting back to racing again after a big break. It's more that the Opening Weekend is a bit in the way after the cross season.
“I really need those three weeks to prepare for the busy month ahead. I had to make choices.
“It does give me confidence that I am ready for the race.”
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
I'm about to turn 40 - how can I keep riding fast?
Approaching a landmark birthday, Charlie Graham-Dixon explores how ageing affects cycling performance and what can be done to stay ahead of the curve
By Charlie Graham-Dixon Published
-
Life Time Grand Prix to have fewer riders and wild cards in 2025
The flagship US gravel series has confirmed the six races that will be a part of the competition next year
By Adam Becket Published
-
Wout van Aert to stay at Visma-Lease a Bike for 'rest of his career'
The Belgian has signed a "unique" contract with his Dutch team, with an unknown end date
By Adam Becket Published
-
Wout van Aert out for rest of season with 'serious' knee injury
Visma-Lease a Bike rider requires intravenous antibiotics to reduce infection risk
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Wout van Aert’s 2023 Tour of Britain prize money still in limbo
Funds still outstanding after British Cycling agreed to honour prize money
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Wout van Aert to continue to 'chase opportunities' at Tour de France, provided Jonas Vingegaard is safe
'We want Wout to win a stage, but we have to look at it day by day', says Visma-Lease a Bike DS Frans Maassen
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
How one phone call from Wout van Aert led to the Belgian riding the Tour de France
Visma-Lease a Bike sporting director Merijn Zeeman reveals Van Aert said he wanted "to do something special"
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
21 things you didn't know about Wout van Aert
From studying computer science at university through to what he eats for breakfast
By Tom Thewlis Published
-