A rocket. When Wout van Aert crossed the finish line, five seconds after Romain Bardet and Frank Van den Broeck, the difference in speed between the Belgian and the two DSM riders was such that he… almost hit them as they congratulated each other. After avoiding them, the Visma | Lease a Bike stopped near the journalists to take stock of this first stage.
We might have thought he would be a little disappointed, but not at all. The Belgian was practically moved to tears by this third place, synonymous with a return to the forefront after the complicated months which followed his terrible fall in A Travers la Flanders. And compared to the Tour of Norway, its level has greatly increased.
guillementI felt good during the day and gained confidence.
“It’s very encouragingWVA said, holding back emotion.I’ve been going through a difficult time so I’m not surprised to be so emotional. I didn’t expect this result so I’m really happy. I felt good during the day and I knew that in this race situation I would have my chance. During the race, I regained my confidence.”
Without Bardet and Van den Broeck, van Aert might have won as he seemed so fast in the final.But they were really strong and we knew they were going to work together. It was hard to come back so congratulations to them. But I’m also satisfied.”
And with the fifth place of a strong Maxim Van Gils, this return to the forefront of Wout van Aert is the best Belgian news of the day. Like his teammate Vingegaard, never in difficulty, the rider from Herentals, looking for revenge, proved that he will indeed have to be counted on in this Tour de France, which will not only serve as preparation for the Olympic Games.
Wout van Aert is groping his way into the Tour de France: “It’s difficult to set goals given my preparation…”
