Van Aert will have to do without teammates Kooij and Benoot next year: "But I understand their decision"

Van Aert was supposed to ride the Bretagne Classic last week, but he was unable to compete. “After the Tour of Germany, I wasn't feeling very fit,” said the Belgian. “That's why we decided to skip the Bretagne Classic in Plouay. But last week, I was able to train well again. I'm motivated to go for a good result in Canada, especially in Québec.”

Skipping the races in Canada is not an option. “In Hamburg and Germany, I noticed that I only enjoy cycling when I reach a certain level. If I'm not good enough to compete for the prizes, it's not as much fun. However, in the Tour of Germany, things were looking up, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The aim is to finish the season well, even though the most important part is already behind us, of course.”

There were strong rumors that Van Aert would participate in the European Gravel Championships (Italy) or World Gravel Championships (Limburg) later this year, but he denies this. “The vacation is booked for the end of September,” he laughs. “No, after the Super 8 Classic, the bike will be put aside for a while. It remains to be seen when I will race again after that.”

Next year, Van Aert, Kooij, and Benoot will part ways: the Dutch sprinter and the Belgian all-rounder are leaving for Decathlon CMA CGM. Van Aert has often raced with the pair: he guided Kooij to two stage wins in this year's Giro d'Italia, and he was almost inseparable from Benoot in the spring classics. They also often spent time together, such as earlier this spring at altitude training.

So it's not only a sporting loss for Visma | Lease a Bike and Van Aert, but he is also saying goodbye to two mates. “Of course, I think that's a shame. Besides the fact that we are losing two super-strong riders, I also had a good personal relationship with Olav and Tiesj. I would have preferred them to stay, but I understand their decision. We will certainly miss them.”

In addition to Benoot and Kooij, Attila Valter (Bahrain Victorious) and Dylan van Baarle (Soudal Quick-Step) have also left the Killer Bees, but on the other hand, Timo Kielich (Alpecin-Deceuninck), Filippo Fiorelli (VF Group - Bradiani CSF - Faizanè), and Bruno Armirail (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale). "Hopefully, there will soon be good chemistry between the riders who are here and those who are joining us, so that we can continue racing in the same way. But it will be difficult to replace them."