Wout van Aert could add another race after Opening Weekend to his programme

Van Aert fractured his ankle on 2 January in the Exact Cross in Mol, but has since been working his way back towards his first road goals of the season. The Belgian is currently at altitude in Sierra Nevada, although the weather in southern Spain has meant much of the training has been indoors. Conditions are expected to improve in the coming days.

In the meantime, Van Aert’s name has shown up on the first provisional start list for Le Samyn, which is scheduled for 3 March in Wallonia. Visma have not ridden the race in recent years, but could now add it to the calendar again. Alongside Van Aert, the provisional line-up also features Christophe Laporte, Per Strand Hagenes, Niklas Behrens, Loe van Belle, Petro Mattio and Aldo Tailleu.

“We mainly want to ride that race for our young riders. Think of guys like Niklas Behrens and Per Strand Hagenes. I’ve never done the race personally, but I believe it’s a nice one,” Niermann said to WielerFlits.

According to the German, nothing has been decided yet regarding Van Aert. “For now, as far as Wout is concerned, only Omloop Het Nieuwsblad is fixed. After that we’ll decide whether we add another race before Strade Bianche — and whether that will be Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne or Le Samyn.”

Last year, Mathieu van der Poel won Le Samyn after making a late call to start the cobbled semi-classic.