Wout Van Aert’s Stage Hunting Might Be RUINING His CAREER | Watts

Wout Van Aert’s Stage Hunting Might Be RUINING His CAREER with Watts


Source: Watts Youtube Channel: Wout Van Aert’s Stage Hunting Might Be RUINING His CAREER

Video Wout Van Aert’s Stage Hunting Might Be RUINING His CAREER with Watts Youtube Channel

Video Wout Van Aert’s Stage Hunting Might Be RUINING His CAREER with Watts YouTube Channel.

Wout Van Aert’s Stage Hunting Might Be RUINING His CAREER | Watts

The Decision Between the Giro and Classics

Wout van Aert, renowned for his stage hunting abilities, was faced with a significant decision for the upcoming season. He had to choose between targeting the pink jersey at the Giro d’Italia or focusing on achieving better results at the classics and securing stage wins at the Giro. His decision, as he revealed, may have stagnated his career and limited his potential for growth.

Speculation about Giro d’Italia

Speculation had been rife about van Aert’s potential entry into the Giro d’Italia with a focus on the general classification. However, he dismissed these rumors and stated that he preferred to go for stage wins instead of aiming for the pink jersey. He expressed his realistic approach and reluctance to sacrifice other goals for the Giro GC, indicating his belief that the tradeoff was not worth it.

The Conflict Between Interests and Potential

While van Aert’s preference for stage hunting and classics is understandable, it also raises questions about his potential for Grand Tour success. His extraordinary performances as a domestique and his stage wins are noteworthy, but they may not define his career in the long run. The discussion around his reluctance to target the GC reveals a conflict between his interests and his potential for greater achievements.

Realizing His Capabilities

Van Aert’s candid acknowledgment that he doesn’t believe he is capable of winning the pink jersey at the Giro sheds light on his self-awareness and realistic assessment of his abilities. Despite the allure of the challenge and the fresh allure of the Giro, he understands the limitations his build and skill set pose. This genuine insight into his thinking reflects a desire to pursue realistic and attainable goals.

Prioritizing Classics and the Olympics

For van Aert, the Classics and the Olympic Games are significant targets, with the Grand Tours being viewed as secondary pursuits. His emphasis on the explosiveness required for Classics racing and the divergent demands of a Grand Tour GC bid portrays his deliberate focus on the events that align with his strengths and preferences. His reluctance to compromise his pursuits for a singular goal reflects a deeper commitment to diverse achievements.

Challenges of Pursuing the General Classification

While van Aert’s capability for success in sprinting and stage wins is undeniable, the challenges of contending for the GC in a Grand Tour present significant impediments. His physique and the energy demands of a GC bid present a multifaceted challenge that could potentially compromise his performance in other events. The implications of a GC pursuit on his training, physique, and overall strategic approach raise essential questions about the feasibility of this trajectory.

Realistic Transition and Potential for Growth

Van Aert’s transition to a lean climbing machine necessary for a consistent GC bid would require significant changes in his training and physique, potentially disrupting his performance in other critical events like the Spring Classics and cyclo-cross competitions. Additionally, the time constraints and scheduling conflicts with key events preceding the Giro underline the complexities of pursuing a GC bid.

It is evident that van Aert’s decision not to pursue the GC at the Giro is informed by a realistic assessment of his abilities and the inherent challenges of transitioning to a different cycling profile. His reluctance to make substantial sacrifices for a goal he deems unachievable signifies a mature understanding of his strengths and limitations, reflecting a commitment to balanced and diverse achievements.


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