'Occasionally we also learn from our mistakes', agrees Visma team manager after Van Aert's victory

Visma | Lease a Bike is, of course, more than pleased with the victory Wout van Aert secured on Friday in the Vuelta a España. Team manager and fellow countryman Maarten Wynants witnessed it up close and shared his account with Sporza afterward.

Van Aert was part of the day’s breakaway along with Matthew Brennan and Bruno Armirail. The Brit controlled his fellow escapees, allowing Van Aert to make his decisive move in the final stretch. “If you were to write out an ideal scenario beforehand, it would be very close to this one. It remains exciting, but with Paret-Peintre, we had a dream breakaway partner.”

"It was great that Matthew was in the lead group. That way, we barely had to ride at the front, and Wout was able to conserve his energy at the back. We had the numerical advantage every time—it was wonderful to see," said the sports director, who was thus in a very favorable position. “Ultimately, it would have been a good situation if Matthew had stayed at the front.”

"We wanted to create a breakaway, and we weren't sure if it would work out with Matthew, who had indicated he wasn't feeling 100 percent anymore. Now Wout could still make the move with the better climbers," the team leader continued. “This is what we had hoped for going in. Ultimately, a kind of synergy developed between them. When they understand each other and support one another, this is what happens.”

"We've made the mistake a few times in the past of wanting it too much for Wout and taking control right away. Every now and then, we learn from our mistakes," agrees Wynants, who is proud of his protégé's performance.

"He's in top form. He was really hungry after missing the Tour. When Wout is fit and takes care of himself 100 percent, this is what you get. He'll definitely be one of the favorites at the World Championships."