Wout van Aert is about to discover the Italian Tour For the first time in his career. But a few hours before the big departure, Who This year takes place in Durrës in Albania this year, this Friday, May 9, The 29 -year -old Belgian approaches the test with many uncertainties. A recently contracted viral infection has heavily disrupted its preparation, compromising its initial ambitions. “”My preparation was not ideal, but here in Albania, I can’t wait to discover a new culture and new roads“, he said This Thursday, May 8, during the traditional pre-courid press conference bringing together the best runners, organized at the Palais des Congrès in Tirana, the Albanian capital.
Video – Wout van Aert at a press conference before Giro
“The 1st stage? I see a chance for attackers to go to the end”
“We tested the local circuits in Tirana before the first step. It was good to see the climb. I have the impression that it is quite difficult, the start is steep and the descent is continuous until the arrival. I see a chance for attackers to go to the end. We have a very strong team, with runners capable of adapting to all terrains, and opportunities every day“continued WAvawho had returned in more detail the day before on his health concerns. “I still take the start with question points”said the training runner Visma | Lease a Bike at the microphone of our colleagues from Sporza. “The pink jersey has become more a dream than a realistic objective.”
“I couldn’t do a good training from the Amstel Gold Race”
“Unfortunately, I fell ill last week. My preparation was far from ideal. Let’s say that, apart from yesterday, I could not do a good training from the Amstel Gold Race (April 20, editor’s note). I had to adapt my program because the viral infection persisted. I am in the blur as to my current physical condition”he explained.
“I hope obviously to make a beautiful giro. I managed to present myself at the start and I still have a lot of ambitions, but it is necessary to remain prudent. It is a great relief to be here, because last week, I really did not think I can come. I am happy to be able to participate in this great event”he says. “In general, yes. I hope to be in good shape at the start. Even if I may not be on top from the first day, I remain confident that it will be better then. In general, I am good during the last week. I keep this confidence.”
No cyclamen lens
With fragile health, Van Aert must therefore review his ambitions. Is it still targeting the points jersey? “The conditions do not lend themselves to it”he replied. “With Olav (Kooij) at the start, it would have been difficult anyway to do the pilot fish and score points. The flat steps also report more points. In reality, this has never been a goal.” And is the Saturday time trial left one? “Normally yes. I have played a single time trial this season (in Algarve), and went very well. I was ambitious and I worked this aspect consciously in recent weeks, but this disease has changed a lot of things. Let’s focus first on the first step, then we’ll see.”
