Van Aert calls Netflix show "nice series", but is slightly critical: "A bit too much commotion"

Van Aert is prominently featured in the series, as he finished second in the first three stages of last year's Tour de France. On the fourth day, he took the yellow jersey with a powerful sprint in Calais, only to then be put to work to help team leader Jonas Vingegaard during the cobbled stage the next day - albeit in the yellow jersey.

"I have watched the first three episodes," he told IDLProCycling.com and other press in Switzerland. The verdict after those three episodes was mixed. "I think there are a few too many side stories and there's a bit too much commotion," the Jumbo-Visma team leader asserts.

Van Aert further explained himself, saying, "I got the impression that they had already written certain storylines before they actually happened. That is also reflected in the series," said the man who is aiming for stage victories in Switzerland.

All in all, the Belgian - similar to team manager Richard Plugge, among others - believes that the Netflix series can help promote cycling as a sport. "It is indeed a very nice series. If you don't know much about cycling, then it is a great promotion for the sport," the Jumbo-Visma rider concludes.

When asked about his participation in a possible second season of the Netflix series, a big smile appears under the Belgian's sunglasses. "I don't think I have a choice," he laughs.

Tom van der Salm (Twitter: @TomvanderSalm)