Van Aert hands out compliments – by helicopter – at Visma HQ, but expects his teammates at the start in Omloop: "That approach has already paid off"

Two days before Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Wout van Aert wasn’t out on the Flemish climbs in his cycling gear but was instead dressed formally at the Rabobank headquarters in Utrecht. From the Dutch city, it's a 200-kilometer drive to Ninove—the finish of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. Van Aert spoke at the event in Utrecht, where he arrived by helicopter, taking time for an extended chat with IDLProCycling.com.

The fact that the key rider for the Flemish opening weekend made time on Thursday to attend the announcement of the new sponsorship deal highlights its significance for Visma | Lease a Bike’s riders. "I was asked if I wanted to be here because it’s important news. That’s why I’m here. It was left up to me, though," Van Aert explained before flying back to Belgium by helicopter.

"Rabobank joining is good news," said Van Aert, who has a lifetime contract with Visma | Lease a Bike. "A prominent spot on the jersey is being filled, so it’s clear that Rabobank is becoming one of the main sponsors. And it’s not just any announcement—it’s a historic sponsor making a return."

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Van Aert gives kudos to Plugge and Rabobank

The bank was already highly active in cyclo-cross during Van Aert’s younger years, which he appreciated. "Of course, I was already watching races back then. Rabobank was also a sponsor in cyclo-cross, so I definitely know them. I raced my first competitions in the Netherlands, and I can’t remember a time when Rabobank wasn’t a sponsor there. I have to give credit to Richard as well—having them step in now with our team is proof that we’ve done great work over the past few years."

Rabobank’s dramatic exit from cycling left shockwaves in the sport. "It’s only logical that this was the first question people asked. That’s why I find it even more impressive that Rabobank is willing to put that behind them and be part of the sport again," Van Aert said, giving the sponsor a heartfelt compliment. "I look at that with a lot of pride because it’s a great step for cycling. People like you don’t doubt that the sport has changed, but now external sponsors are also willing to take that leap again."

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Van Aert sees that other teams are stronger in spring

Of course, there’s also a little “race” happening in Belgium on Saturday. And another on Sunday. "It’s an important weekend. Winning depends on the competition and small details, but it’s nice not to miss your start. I see it as a first real test, which is different from other races. In those, the peloton is more spread out, but now everyone comes together for the first time. Even though not everyone is here, the starting line-ups are strong," said Van Aert, who won’t yet be facing Tadej Pogacar, Mathieu van der Poel, or Mads Pedersen.

"Other teams haven’t been sitting still. Even more than in previous years, the strength is now more divided among several teams," he observed. "Lidl-Trek is getting stronger and stronger. UAE is visibly much stronger, with more focus on the spring classics. The same goes for Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe. And I think INEOS has also had a very strong start to the season. This will be a first test in that regard as well. Are teams still watching us closely? I’m not looking forward to the day when they don’t," Van Aert laughed.

"I think we’ve started the season well, but there’s room for improvement. Compared to last year, I feel about the same, but maybe I’ll have a better idea on Sunday. Either way, we’ll have to keep working beyond this weekend," said the Belgian, who will head to altitude training after the opening weekend.

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Van Aert on losing key teammates: "The squad has a great lineup"

What are Van Aert’s expectations? "I think we can expect even more from the sprinters in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne since it doesn’t overlap with the UAE Tour. I have the impression that more teams are bringing a sprinter. We are too, with Olav Kooij. That said, in the Omloop, there’s also a chance that a larger group reaches the finish together. Often, it looks like things are set heading toward the Muur, but that can change quickly."

Visma | Lease a Bike’s lineup consists of two groups. On one hand, there are the riders who competed with Van Aert in the Algarve, like Tiesj Benoot. On the other, some are coming straight from altitude training, including Matteo Jorgenson, Victor Campenaerts, and Per Strand Hagenes. "I haven’t received many updates. I was with the other group, but we stayed in touch. As far as I know, everything went well. This approach has paid off many times before, so I believe they’ll be in good shape."

Visma | Lease a Bike has already faced its share of bad luck in 2025. Key riders Dylan van Baarle and Christophe Laporte, who have been crucial in the Opening Weekend over the past two years, will not be racing in Belgium. "They are two irreplaceable pieces, but our squad is deep enough to line up with a strong team."

Read also

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Wout van Aert let himself get 'fooled' and jokes with stage winner: "He talks slow, but it’s still Dutch"

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