Cycling, Van Aert on the Classics: "It will be hard to beat Pogacar and Van Der Poel"

Rome, 18 February 2025 - If in the mud of the cyclocross the verdict was clearly in favor of Mathieu van der Poel, on the road and in particular in the upcoming season of Classics the situation could be rebalanced in favor of Wout van aert, but aware of having to deal with a third cumbersome party such as Tadej pogacar: to the microphones of CyclingFlits The Belgian opened up about his hopes and fears for the first real test of the year.  

Van Aert's statements

  "I had a difficult winter, but then I managed to work well, without even completely forgetting how good I felt at home. Return before falling. Having faced the break with confidence gave me the boost to think I could get back to that level". In fact, during the break between one season and the next Van Aert shared via his social pages and those of the Visma-Lease a Bike the images of different training sessions that show his great determination towards the objectives to be pursued: among them there is the Paris-Roubaix that, always according to what emerged from photos and videos, the scarecrow might surprisingly also be of interest pogacar. "I was impressed with his program: he will compete a lot." Then there is the arch rival Van der Poel, the opponent of a thousand battles between road and cyclocross ready to confirm himself as such also in the 2025. "In many Classics various strategies can be adopted that open up different scenarios. This also applies to the Tour of Flanders, in which however the legs are more important than the rest. There, and not only there, I can imagine very few scenarios in which I could beat pogacar e Van der Poel in worse shape than theirs. I know that if I want to win I will have to be at least at their level."

Naesen's statements

  Di Van Aert rivals also speak: this is the case of Oliver naesen, who sings the praises of his compatriot. "What I like about him is that he is incredibly humble even though he is so good. He once asked me for advice on Milan-Sanremo: he, such a good runner, wanted to know from me how to approach the race, the Cipressa and where to move. I gave him two or three pieces of advice and he won the race, but certainly not thanks to me. Even Van der Poel I like it: it exudes creativity and fun and that's what cycling needs." Then nose, always on the microphones of the radio program Start-up, talks about himself and his Decathlon AG2R The World Team. "We have attracted many young people who still have to learn the trade and that's why I'm here. I'll be their captain, trying to teach them something, but if necessary I'm ready to give everything for the team in person". Finally, a comment on a post-career that is getting closer. "I'm proud of what I've achieved but I'll never boast about it. I'd like to become a sports director, even if I know it would mean spending more time away from my family during the year".

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