Kuss 'is very excited to start 2024', Van Aert will lead the sprint for Kooij in Almeria

"I am very excited to start 2024," says the American rider. "I had a good winter. In the past months, after a short holiday, I was able to continue training well. After a long time without races, you long for the moment when you can pin on a race number again." Team director Arthur van Dongen continues: "That moment has now arrived. It's great that the season is starting again. The Spanish races are nice opportunities to get back into the rhythm. Part of our core team for the classics is racing here. For them, it is important to show up in top form right from the start of the opening weekend."

This opening weekend sees Van Aert taking the lead in the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, but in the Clasica Almeria (February 11th), he'll be setting up the sprint for Olav Kooij. "It's a perfect opportunity to team up with Olav once more. We're looking forward to doing this again at the Giro d'Italia later in the year. For me, these upcoming races are mainly a build-up to the first big objectives of the season. I've already competed in several cyclo-cross races, which have given me a great boost. Now, I'm hoping to keep that positive momentum going on the road. And that won't necessarily be tied to any results in Spain and the Algarve."

Kuss and Van Aert are both gearing up for the Clasica Jaen on February 12th. "Jaén presents a much more challenging course," Van Aert elaborates. "With its gravel sections, it’s exactly the kind of race I get excited about. I’m aiming to make a strong showing in the finale in Jaén." Kuss shares his enthusiasm for the unconventional, "I enjoy stepping away from the norm every now and then. This race definitely fits the bill. There’s always something extra special about gravel races. Venturing out of my comfort zone adds a layer of enjoyment to the sport for me. Plus, with the gravel stage in the upcoming Tour de France, this race is an excellent training opportunity."

Finally, both riders also commence their very first stage race of 2024: the Tour of Algarve (February 14th-18th), albeit without ambitions for the general classification. "This block of Spanish and Portuguese races is an important lead-up to the opening weekend for me," Van Aert says. "I hope to take the final step towards peak form there. On Portuguese soil, I'll pick my days. There are several beautiful stages and a time trial. I don't have ambitions for the general classification. I mainly hope to return home with good legs and positive experiences."

Sepp Kuss
Robert Gesink
Per Strand Hagenes
Mick van Dijke
Julien Vermote
Jan Tratnik
Tosh Van der Sande

Wout van Aert
Olav Kooij
Julien Vermote
Koen Bouwman
Loe van Belle
Tilm van Dijke
Tosh Van der Sande

Wout van Aert
Sepp Kuss
Per Strand Hagenes
Robert Gesink
Tim van Dijke
Jan Tratnik