Should Van Aert go to the Tour? Vanthourenhout addresses the central question and is skeptical as well as hopeful

How should Wout van Aert plan his summer? That is currently a question preoccupying the cycling world. After missing the Giro and returning at the Tour of Norway, many would like to see him back in the Tour de France. National coach Sven Vanthourenhout would like to see his protégé in top form at the start of the Olympic Games and the World Championships, and he has his own thoughts about the French three-week race. "He doesn't necessarily need the Tour," he states in Het Nieuwsblad.

While Van Aert's next goals remain somewhat unclear, it is almost certain that the man from Herentals will have a role as a leader at international events. Vanthourenhout confirms this. "Before June 12, I will present my selection to Belgian Cycling, and the BOIC will announce the selection the week before the Tour starts. Of course, I have a plan in mind but my choice is not yet final. I want to visit the eight riders who are currently on my shortlist again."

Vanthourenhout reassured: "Those two months should be enough"

Van Aert returned to racing last week, but his national coach has always been confident about a positive outcome for the summer. "Yes, I am reassured now. But I was never worried about the Olympics. He has primarily been able to see for himself that he no longer suffers on the bike. His level is obviously not yet what it was at the time of his fall at Dwars door Vlaanderen, but that is only normal. There is still a lot of work to be done. The two months remaining until the Games should be enough to get Wout into the best possible condition for Paris."

Then remains the question: should Van Aert ride the Tour as preparation? "From a conditioning standpoint, Wout does not need the Tour to be ready for the Olympics. However, mentally, I would not recommend staying two months without competition after Norway in anticipation of Paris. A cyclist needs competition. However, there are also other races besides the Tour in July."