Boonen and Vandenbroucke preceded him, van Aert's popularity surpasses the sport: "He's too popular"

Vanthourenhout was Van Aert's former national coach on the road and in cyclo-cross. His former pupil's popularity is overwhelming, as was evident at 't Kuipke cycling track in Ghent. During the presentation of the Omloop, the Belgian superstar was quickly the most popular rider. "Since the cyclo-cross world championships, there has been something about him that gains attention daily," says Vanthourenhout.

He saw Van Aert take on an entertainer role, where he performed his part from The Masked Singer and imagined himself to be a squirrel again. "You would think that Wout would be used to it by now and that he could handle it, but the suspense is building up towards the opening weekend," the 44-year-old former cyclo-cross racer contemplates. "And if you don't fully live up to expectations, it can weigh on you."

Wuyts agrees. "He is too popular," says the analyst, who, as a media personality, experienced what it does to the cyclist from the front row. "I still remember what happened last year on the starting podium of the E3 Saxo Classic. Van der Poel received an overwhelming applause, but Van Aert received five times as much. I am convinced he will receive more applause than Evenepoel at any podium. He is by far the most popular."

Being popular is fun, but it can also be overwhelming. Wuyts fears that this is what is happening to Van Aert. 'He is a star but also an underdog: when things are not going well, he still receives full support. He has two roles in one and must deal with that. I asked him on stage: "Does that stimulate you to give even more of your best, or is it the other way around?" He said: "That is not a question you should be asking me right now. He is struggling with that, you know."

Vanthourenhout sees that popularity is a mixed blessing because the winner of Milan-Sanremo already maintains a strict discipline. "He is already very hard on himself; he has that winner's mentality. That makes it even more difficult. Consciously or unconsciously, things happen that weigh on him and take up his energy." Wuyts thinks Van Aert is mentally strong enough to deal with the fans. "His confidence will be good, but it will still be influenced to some degree - and sometimes to a significant degree. He is seen as godlike. Whether he wins or loses, he will always be on the front page of the cycling news."

In Belgium, a country that is crazy about cycling, the riders are particularly adored in Flanders. Frank Vandenbroucke and Tom Boonen are examples of men whose popularity surpassed their achievements, no matter how good they were. "VdB couldn't handle it," Wuyts reflects with sadness. "Boonen also struggled with it, but he seemed better at putting it into perspective. I think Van Aert can do the same, given the appropriate guidance."