Wout van Aert performed quite a number on Saturday by winning solo on the 2022 edition of Circuit Het Nieuwsblad. The Belgian Champion – who was competing in his first race of the season on the road – made a strong impression. Especially during his attack at the foot of the Bosberg which allowed him to soar to victory.
“Before the Bosberg, everyone was a bit at a standstill. Just before this climb, it’s always a bit like that. Everyone takes the opportunity to recover. I felt good and I said to myself I could take a few meters before approaching the cobbled part. It was a bit of a surprise for my opponents. It turned out to be a good tactical choice. My plan was to go all the way to the top and then see what was the situation. If I had been on my own, I would have had to keep going. That’s what happened in the end.”
Van Aert had good feelings during the race and started the fight in the Berendries at 30 km with his teammate Tiesj Benoot. “We blew up in the Berendries, from there we always had control of the race. I never thought it would go so well today. But I had prepared myself to be there. It’s already a good thing.
It’s hard to say where I am in my form. Will I hold out until Paris-Roubaix? I think I can be even better in the next few weeks. I was good today but for longer races like Roubaix or the Tour of Flanders, you still have to be better.”
Van Aert will not be at the start of Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne on Sunday or Strade Bianche next weekend. On the other hand, it will take part in Paris-Nice (March 6 to 13). “It’s a hard and beautiful race. I hope to take another small step. We will be there with a very strong team with a Primoz Roglic which apparently is already in good condition. I will try to bring my stone to the building for the final victory.”
“I wanted to add something”added van Aert during the post-race interview with Flemish TV. “There are more important things than racing going on in the world. There is a war on our doorstep. It’s worth what it’s worth but I want to express my full support to those involved in this war and I hope that the situation will soon improve.”