"I wouldn't place myself among the top 4 favorites": Van Aert puts on the sheep's clothing before the Tour of Flanders

Wout van Aert arrives at the 2026 Tour of Flanders with an unusual speech for him. Without the weight of being the top favorite and with a calmer approach, the Belgian faces one of the most important days on the calendar from a different position, closer to the pursuer than to the man to beat.

Van Aert points to Pogacar and Van der Poel: “They have that extra edge over the rest”

In the lead-up to the race, the Visma rider acknowledged that he still feels the specialness of this week, although his way of experiencing it has changed over the years. “It’s a stressful period, but also one of the most beautiful weeks of the year. For a Belgian cyclist, it’s the biggest stage you can compete on,” he explained, making it clear that the Tour of Flanders still occupies a central place in his calendar.

His recent performance invites optimism. In the last classics, he has shown an offensive presence at key moments, although without a final reward. In Milan-San Remo, he finished third, in Flanders Fields, he joined Van der Poel for an epic ride, and in Dwars door Vlaanderen, he delivered an authentic exhibition. But beyond the result, Van Aert values the sensations. “The last races went very well. I’ve been able to race aggressively, as I want,” he assured. This way of competing seems to be more important now than any reference to the past. “I’ve often arrived here in good shape. I’m happy with how my legs are responding now. I don’t compare myself to other years.”

RECOMENDADO

Arc'teryx lands in MTB with garments designed for the most demanding terrain

Fizik launches the Kyros, its most versatile helmet for road, gravel, and XC

Megamo hints at its next big revolution and raises expectations

The legendary cork tape from Cinelli evolves 40 years later with new Pro Race and Gravel versions

Pinarello explains the breakage of Ganna's handlebar during the race

Pogacar, Van der Poel, and Evenepoel elevate the 2026 Tour of Flanders to a generational duel: dates and how to watch

He has also changed his mentality. At 31 years old, he recognizes an evolution that allows him to manage pressure better. “Maybe I’m more relaxed than a few years ago. I enjoy the process more. There are things I accept or value more. That comes with experience and age.”

And he took the opportunity to shake off the pressure from those who place him among the top favorites. The term that groups the main names at the start does not convince him. “I wouldn’t put myself in that ‘G4’. I think that concept is a bit absurd,” he stated. In his analysis, there are two names above the rest. “People forget quickly. Pogacar was far above everyone in Strade and San Remo. The fact that he didn’t race last week doesn’t change how good he is.”

Both Tadej Pogacar and Mathieu van der Poel appear, in his opinion, as the riders with an extra edge over the rest of the peloton. The unknown is the role that Remco Evenepoel may play in his debut. Van Aert avoids jumping to conclusions, although he acknowledges his potential influence. “He will surely have an impact on how the race develops. He has shown that many times.”

Regarding possible alliances, he prefers not to anticipate scenarios in a race that always breaks any predictions. “Of course, I expect it, but it depends on how the race evolves. There are many factors. In Flanders, there is always chaos, and unexpected things happen. It doesn’t make much sense to talk now about all the scenarios.”

With all that, his goal is clear and simple. “If I can fight for the victory and then feel that I gave it my all, that’s what matters.”

Van Aert will be supported by a solid block featuring names like Christophe Laporte, Edoardo Affini, and Per Strand Hagenes, in a team designed to support him in the decisive moments of the race.