Wout van Aert is making a remarkable comeback in the 2024 Vuelta a España. With three stage victories and leading both the points and King of the Mountains classifications as the second rest day approaches, the Belgian rider is setting himself up as a strong contender for the Rainbow Jersey in Zurich. Despite his impressive performance, Van Aert remains cautious about his chances, especially when considering formidable competitors like Tadej Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel. According to the Sporza Daily podcast, Van Aert acknowledges that while a challenging course might play to his strengths, Pogacar and Evenepoel present significant hurdles. He views the World Championships as an opportunity to surprise from an underdog position and hopes that a few solid training sessions will prepare him well for Zurich after the European Championships.
Van Aert’s resurgence at the Vuelta a España follows a period of struggles earlier this season. After a crash at Dwars door Vlaanderen in the spring, he struggled to find his form at the 2024 Tour de France. However, the Vuelta has seen him regain his confidence and competitive edge. Reflecting on his earlier setbacks, Van Aert admits he underestimated his injuries, which led to a longer recovery than he initially anticipated. He believes that participating in the Tour de France was crucial for his progress, and now he feels he has overcome the challenges that hindered his performance.
Looking ahead, Van Aert is also turning his attention to cyclocross for the upcoming winter season. Although he hasn’t finalized his plans yet, he aims to extend his racing season until early October and will determine his winter strategy after a well-deserved rest period. This upcoming winter will mark a return to a discipline where he has previously excelled, and he is eager to tackle new challenges after the Vuelta.
Van Aert’s journey through the 2024 cycling season illustrates the resilience required to bounce back from setbacks and the strategic planning necessary for peak performance. As he continues to lead at the Vuelta, his focus remains on optimizing his preparations for future races, including the prestigious World Championships. His experience highlights the intricate balance between recovery, competition, and the strategic adjustments that define a successful cycling career.
With the Vuelta a España wrapping up and the World Championships on the horizon, Van Aert’s performance in the coming weeks will be closely watched. His ability to adapt and excel against top competitors will be crucial as he aims for a standout finish in Zurich and continues to build on his impressive season.