Having just returned from injury, Wout van Aert will start the Tour de France this Saturday in Florence (Italy). Winner of nine stages on the Grande Boucle, the Belgian from the Visma-Lease a Bike team did not want to be too ambitious for this 2024 edition due to doubts surrounding his physical form.
One year after a 2023 edition stopped prematurely to attend the birth of his child, Wout van Aert will once again start the Tour de France this Saturday in Florence. From the Italian city, the rider from the Visma-Lease a Bike team refused to appear among the favorites for a stage victory. Seriously injured in the spring and suffering fractures to his collarbone and ribs after a fall in the race Across Flanders, the Belgian is just getting back on track. Returning in time for the Grande Boucle, he did not hide his doubts about its freshness and preparation.
“I’m very happy to be here, at the start of the biggest race of the year, but as everyone knows, it’s been a difficult year and it’s difficult for me to have big ambitions,” confirmed Wout van Aert this Thursday during his team’s press conference before departure.
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“The worst form of my career at the start of a Tour”
Competing last Sunday during the Belgian championships, Wout van Aert settled for fifth place at the finish after resuming competition during the Tour of Norway. Despite these honorable performances after a long absence, the 29-year-old runner is not satisfied.
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“I’ve worked hard these last two months, but I’m not as strong as usual,” the green jersey of the 2022 Tour de France assured with a certain modesty. “It’s the worst form of my career at the start of a Tour de France.”
Failing to be able to shine or to have the legs to shine, Wout van Aert promised to put himself at the service of his teammates and in particular of Jonas Vingegaard who is also coming back from a major injury for this Grand Boucle. And the Belgian rider concluded: “In this Tour de France, I hope to be able to be of service to the team.”
