Ex-riders praise Wout van Aert, though one of his teammates gets a comment from Philippe Gilbert

Nathan Van Hooydonck was also in Rome as a member of the Dutch team. He shared with Het Nieuwsblad what he believes is the secret to his success. "We try to measure everything that can be measured. Our food coach, in particular, has made a difference, especially in 2022 and 2023. You can make a difference in the third week if you eat and drink right for three weeks without missing anything."

"Our statement 'Winning Together' is more than just a slogan," says Van Hooydonck. 'We insist that, when we win, everyone comes to the podium ceremony, including the staff. Because the chef has to cook well for three weeks, the masseur has to massage well for three weeks. That's where the team's strength lies; that's our DNA, with Wout as a great example. If the leader is willing to put himself aside for the greater good, the other riders have no choice.

According to Van Hooydonck, this Giro is also important for the Tour. "It's our first overall victory since Merijn Zeeman left, but it means that the spirit is still there. This was also a very important victory for the Tour. Jonas Vingegaard must have been delighted to see how well Yates rode uphill."

Yates was happy with van Aert these past few days, as his friend and analyst Jan Bakelants also noticed. He discussed the Giro and van Aert's preparation for the Tour in the podcast Wuyts & Vlaeminck. "His basic fitness is a bit less solid due to his illness before the Giro. That could come back to haunt him. But at the moment, it looks like he's come out of the Giro in excellent shape. I hope he can make some more progress."

"But it's difficult to put a figure on it. I think Wout is at the point where he feels he's back on track. From now on, it will be easier because he won't have to do much hard work and will need to rest first. After that, he will hopefully be able to complete a good training camp. With his wife and children around, that will make it all less stressful mentally. It will all happen more naturally," Bakelants expects.

Former cyclist Philippe Gilbert also praised Van Aert. "Wout was the best rider in this Giro. I would love to see one of his teammates show the same determination to him one day. When that happens, he will be unbeatable!" Gilbert said somewhat mysteriously.