Van Aert on good shape after Tour de France, his Vuelta a España dominance, underdog role at World Cup ánd cross season

Wout van Aert seems to be reborn, or so we may conclude after two weeks of Vuelta a España. With three stage wins, numerous top placings, and the lead in the points classification, as well as the mountain classification, you can't speak of a mediocre race. And then in the final week, there will be plenty of chances, something he talked about in the podcast Sporza Daily.

"Yes, the Vuelta a España is a super success for now," the 29-year-old racer said on the talk show (which was also back on the air). "I didn't hesitate before this Vuelta a España. Just before the Vuelta, I felt good. I had competed well at the Olympics, and in training, I felt I had bounced well from the Tour de France."

Van Aert needed Tour de France to take steps forward

So, does the man from Herentals have an explanation for his strong comeback after his spring fell through (you know, that crash in Dwar door Vlaanderen)? Not immediately, as it turns out. "I just think I needed time. In the first place, I had underestimated my injuries a bit. I thought I would return fast, but I quickly discovered it wouldn't be so straightforward. I probably also needed the Tour to take a step forward this summer. It's just the logic I had to respect."

Comments of comparisons with the Van Aert of a few years ago are already emerging here and there. In those years, the Fleming even seemed to be among the strongest uphill riders, as he also managed to win the stage over Mont Ventoux twice in the Tour de France, for example. "I don't think I'm at my best," he remains modest. "I've been lighter, and I've ridden better uphill. But I am better than the last few months and leaning closer to my spring level before my fall. That's nice to feel and is also important for the future."

Is Van Aert already thinking a lot about the World Cup (and the cross season)?

Of course, that cycling World Cup in Zurich, where he should undoubtedly be able to compete for the title with these legs, comes around the corner again. "You have to look at the course and the competition. Against a lot of guys, a tough course would be good for me, but guys like Tadej Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel will make it hard for me. They have an edge," he is also holding back on that.

"It will be a World Championship in an underdog role," Van Aert concluded. "With a few good training periods, I can return to Zurich after the European Championship with a fresh head." The cheerful Belgian is also thinking occasionally about the upcoming cross season, which is also about to start before you know it. "But I don't have any specific planning yet. I want to stretch my season until early October, and after my rest period, I'll see how we handle the winter."