Visma | Lease a Bike restore Van Aert-Brennan duo for In Flanders Fields

Of the last five editions, Visma | Lease a Bike have won two. In 2021, Van Aert found himself in the perfect position thanks to team-mate Nathan Van Hooydonck, who kept the lead group under control and helped set up a winning sprint for his fellow Belgian.

Two years later, Van Aert again played a leading role as he and Laporte rode clear together on the Kemmelberg and turned the finale into a two-man time trial. They crossed the line almost two minutes ahead of the first chasers, with Laporte allowed to take the victory. So Visma | Lease a Bike have every reason to believe another win could be within reach.

“We have a strong team with riders who can compete for the win," says team manager Maarten Wynants on the Visma | Lease a Bike website. "With Wout and Christophe, we have two former winners at the start who can rely on their experience." But the Brennan factor is an additional spearhead for the Dutch formation.

"We also have a strong asset in Matthew Brennan if it comes down to a sprint. We can play out multiple scenarios, and that gives us confidence. Middelkerke-Wevelgem is an unpredictable race, and that makes it even more exciting. We are motivated to fight for the victory.”