Wout van Aert speaks about working with Evenepoel at the World Championships: 'We have to be able to make choices'
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Follow us on GoogleWout van Aert is also in Canada. The Belgian traveled across the Atlantic last week, where he spoke with the press on Friday evening ahead of the World Cycling Championships in Montreal.
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Van Aert set foot on Canadian soil on Tuesday, a good week and a half after he left the Vuelta a España with the points jersey draped over his shoulders. In the meantime, the Belgian opted for an intense training block to ensure he would be in top form for the World Championships.
Wout van Aert World Cycling Championships press conference
Wout, did you see Ashlin Barry's victory? He's a lot like you, isn't he?
"I saw it, but I was mostly just enjoying his performance. It was incredibly impressive, and I didn't think he'd pull it off with just a few laps to go. It's fun to watch, but I've always believed I can come here and compete."
How long have you been working on this World Championship?
"Oh yeah, for a while now. To be specific: since the end of June, when we saw the Tour fall through and had to start looking for new goals. Back then, we were focused on the Vuelta and the World Championships."
Did that change even more when Tadej Pogačar dropped out?
"Yeah, to be honest, that was the first thing that came to mind. I was really looking forward to this, especially with Tadej there, but it does improve my chances."
It's really that simple, isn't it? It's a benefit to everyone that he's not here.
"Yeah, but of course, it's just a shame he's not here. You wouldn't wish that on anyone, and certainly not on a fellow competitor you'll end up racing against."
Read more below the photo!
Wout van Aert with Thibau Nys.
How do you feel about your late departure and the potential jet lag?
"Both choices make perfect sense. My preparation for the Vuelta was completely different; it wouldn't have been wise to hop on a plane right away. There was a reason behind it."
Your chances on this course, Wout: you know it well—you’ve already finished second here in the Grand Prix. And it’s a lot longer now, too. What are your thoughts?
"So it's definitely a tough race, but I think it's a very different World Championship than last year in Rwanda or next year in Sallanches, where the race is really all about opportunities for the climbers—and you can see that in the field of competitors as well."
Mathieu van der Poel... yeah, he does seem to be giving himself a chance between the lines.
"Yes, otherwise he wouldn't have come."
No, and you—that goes for you too, of course.
"Yeah, there you go. Of course, there are great opportunities for someone like Remco, or even for someone taller. They might be able to... afford to have to set things right, whereas for me, things will probably have to fall into place more naturally."
No, but what is important is that you and Evenepoel are honest with each other about whether the race has been rigged. Are you willing to sacrifice your chances if you have to?
"Yes, at some point we have to be able to make choices and not have to deny that we both want to win."
"But there's always a scenario where one rider's chances are almost gone, and you can still do something for the other. We've already raced and won a few championships together, so we ride in sync like that."
Tom van der Salm (27) comes from the charming town of Zeilberg (Deurne) in the Netherlands and has been working as editor-in-chief & journalist at IDL Pro Cycling's parent site, In de Leiderstrui, since 2019. He travels with the peloton from the Tour de France to the AlUla Tour and from the World Championships in Rwanda or Canada to the Zilvermeercross in Mol. In his spare time he enjoys playing football, mountain biking, running, walking with his Labrador/Stabyhoun, investing, holidays, (specialty) beers, reading, cooking and watching sports & documentaries!
Contact: [email protected]
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