‘Outsider’ van Aert knows his teammates for Tour of Flanders: "For me, it's new to go into the Tour of Flanders without the status of an absolute favorite"

"Of course, Dwars door Vlaanderen was a big disappointment," sports director Grischa Niermann says on the team website, reflecting on Wednesday's events. "When you dominate a race like that, execute the plan almost perfectly, and arrive at the finish with three riders against just one competitor, you have to win. But after that disappointment, we've also taken the time to reflect on the positives. We executed our plan to take control of the race early and attack perfectly, imposing our will on the peloton. That's what we stand for, and that's what we should remember from Wednesday."

It remains to be seen whether Visma | Lease a Bike can fulfill the same role in the Tour of Flanders as they did on Wednesday. "The race and the competition in Flanders are much tougher. We don't have the top favorite in our team, so we need to use our collective strength. We're confident we can play our role. Everyone is in good shape—from Edoardo Affini and Tosh Van der Sande to Matteo and Wout. The Tour of Flanders is one of the most beautiful races of the year and always one of our main goals. Everyone is looking forward to making it a great race."

According to Niermann, there is no clear top favorite on the side of Visma | Lease a Bike. Van Aert agrees. "For me, it's new to go into the Tour of Flanders without the status of an absolute favorite. That doesn't change the fact that both I and the rest of the team are extremely motivated to make it a great race on Sunday."

The Tour of Flanders is a highlight of Van Aert's season every year. "The history, the course, the fans—Flanders remains incredibly special to race as a Belgian. This year, I've once again peaked towards the cobbled Monuments, and I believe we showed in Dwars door Vlaanderen last Wednesday—despite the disappointing outcome—that as a team, we are ready to fight," the Belgian sounds confident.

In addition to Van Aert, the Dutch team is counting on Jorgenson again on Sunday, who looks back on last year's edition. "After Wout dropped out, we had to change our plans. I was riding for the win but burned myself out chasing Mathieu van der Poel. I want to get as far as possible in the final again this year. We will see what that delivers in the end."

The American says he has had a long spring, but: "I am still very motivated. I think we have several options to play a key role in this race, including Wout, Tiesj Benoot, Dylan van Baarle, Per Strand Hagenes, and myself."

In addition to Jorgenson, Van Aert, Benoot, Van Baarle, and Strand Hagenes, Visma | Lease a Bike is also counting on Edoardo Affini and Tosh Van der Sande in the Tour of Flanders. The latter has competed in the Tour of Flanders three times, while Affini is preparing for his sixth participation.

Wout van Aert