Teams & Riders Official Wout Van Aert thread

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Very happy he finally got his win, and found his legs back. I can see him win a couple more stages now.

About the wheel sucking, he should’ve proposed to Del Toro to ride with him if he gets the win, Del Toro gets pink jersey. If Del Toro says no, then don’t take a turn anymore. Nothing to feel bad about.
I have a feeling that might have occurred. He could have also added: "you will no way outsprint me." And, more importantly: "I have a teammate with GC hopes behind. We'll be one and two...you are two so I am no longer pulling. I'll tell you "Sorry" now so you won't have to stew on it."
 
The perfect domestique
He truly is.

I've really felt conflicted on him at times when he was hyped as the best in the world because of this. Like it annoyed me when people argued he was the best rider in the world in '21 when he didnt'win any monument or WC, yet at the same time I'm hoping he takes it down.

Maybe it's me being the cycling equivalent of being a grammar nazi.
 
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Jul 22, 2024
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The perfect domestique
I fully agree with that. He is and remains a really good cyclist. He is no longer as strong in the finals as we used to know. But he can still achieve victories and top placings. And as you say, he's an outstanding helper. He always makes it into the group when he wants to. He can then help the captains. Especially as he always gives everything and then almost stops. Many other riders also help, but they keep more energy for themselves. He keeps going until the end. It's very valuable for a team to have this rider.
 
His career has been this. Not good enough to win important races but a hell of rider in supporting his leaders. Time to say he doesn't have the right mentality, he is not a killer.

UAE fans cheering when Van Aert doesn't win the monuments now raging because he plays a decisive role in beating their guy in a GT. This sport can be cathartic at times.
 
Peak performances in both stages containing sterrato.
The Giro wasn't an easy ride for him (and for his fans) but we had glimpses of vintage Van Aert. Bring on the Tour!
I don't think they were his peak performances per se. Especially not Siena.

When he won on the Ventoux, he lost only 3'22 on an hour long climb to the fastest rider. On Finestre he gave up 9 minutes.

And yes, it's likely he took it easy. In fact judging by how hard he did pull, I assume he got over Finestre pretty fresh. It just goes to show how criminally stupid it was to give that break 10 minutes.
 
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I don't think they were his peak performances per se. Especially not Siena.

When he won on the Ventoux, he lost only 3'22 on an hour long climb to the fastest rider. On Finestre he gave up 9 minutes.

And yes, it's likely he took it easy. In fact judging by how hard he did pull, I assume he got over Finestre pretty fresh. It just goes to show how criminally stupid it was to give that break 10 minutes.
I meant peak relative to what we've seen during this Giro. He was at his best when was most needed.
 
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UAE fans cheering when Van Aert doesn't win the monuments now raging because he plays a decisive role in beating their guy in a GT. This sport can be cathartic at times.
You couldn't be more wrong but you have to say I'm a UAE fan (Most of the time I am because they have a lot of portuguese riders and Pogacar. But I'm not a fan of UAE) because it does fit your narrative. I was supporting Carapaz and specially Yates during this Giro.
 
His career has been this. Not good enough to win important races but a hell of rider in supporting his leaders. Time to say he doesn't have the right mentality, he is not a killer.
He is a killer, but of a different kind than Van der Poel or Pogacar. Those guys would never turn themselves inside out for someone else, Van Aert would. I'd even go so far as to say that he's almost able to suffer more in support of Vingegaard or Yates than he is when riding for himself. He just loves to do this. Belgian fans don't like it when he sacrifices himself for the team, but he does.
 
I was surprised by his shape yesterday.
Van Aert has struggled in several breaks and mountain in this Giro, but he was very strong yesterday.

The praise is focused on tactics, but if you don't have the legs, you can't execute the tactics.

Steinhauser got into the break the day before, and by the time the peloton caught him, he was exhausted. Not everyone climbs Finestre and finishes fresh enough to pull Simon like he did.

We're talking about a climb like Finestre.
 
Memorable ride again, must be a great feeling to leave a couple of rival climbers behind and then hook up with an engine like that on the descent and valley.

“It’s incredible, we didn’t really think about this this morning,” Van Aert said. “It’s such a brave effort of Simon to go all in from so far and I love it when people are not racing for a place of honour. Chapeau to him.”