Van Aert will compete in gravel just before La Vuelta

Wout van Aert will add a new discipline to his already extensive career this weekend. Next Sunday, August 16, he will compete for the first time in the Belgian Gravel Championship, a 150-kilometer race held in Grobbendonk that, in addition to allowing him to compete practically at home, fits into his preparation for La Vuelta a España.

Wout van Aert will debut in the Belgian Gravel Championship

After several attempts by the organization, the Belgian Gravel Championship will finally feature Wout van Aert at the starting line. The Belgian will be one of the big names in an event that will gather more than 1,300 participants and will have a special appeal for him due to its location.

Grobbendonk is located in the Antwerp region where Van Aert lives and trains regularly. His residence in Herentals is, according to Erwin Vervecken, a member of the organization, just seven kilometers from the start and finish. Even one of his regular training partners, Daan Soete, lives in the municipality itself.

Van Aert had considered participating last year when the championship was held in Westerlo, but his road calendar prevented him from doing so.

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This time everything has fallen into place, and no special incentive was needed to convince him. According to Vervecken, the prize money of a national championship of this type is of little importance to a rider of his level. His presence is mainly due to two factors: enjoying riding his bike and using the race as quality training.

And the date is particularly interesting. The Belgian Championship takes place just six days before the start of La Vuelta a España 2026, scheduled for August 22.

“It fits into his training for La Vuelta and he can compete on roads he usually rides with the gravel,” explains Vervecken to WielerFlits.

Competing without pressure and with a jersey at stake

Although Van Aert has not competed much in gravel, the terrain is far from unfamiliar to him. His past and present in cyclocross, a discipline in which he has been world champion several times, make handling off the asphalt part of his DNA as a rider.

From the organization, they believe he will approach the championship without the pressure that accompanies his major road objectives.

“For him, it’s a game,” explains Vervecken. “He can start without stress. If he wins the title in his own region, it will be something nice. If not, he won’t lose sleep over it. His real objectives will come later in the season.”

The proximity to La Vuelta may make the decision to compete on dirt just days before a grand tour surprising, but the organization believes that the course does not present any special risk.

The Belgian Gravel Championship will take place on Sunday, August 16, with the start and finish in Grobbendonk. The elite men's race will cover 150 kilometers and is scheduled between 12:00 and 15:55 hours.