Wout van Aert will begin his highway season subsequent week on the Clásica Jaén, taking an identical path to the Classics as he did in 2024.
The Spanish one-day race is comparatively new on the calendar however has already introduced in a area of WorldTour groups stacked with prime riders. Tadej Pogačar gained the Clásica Jaén in 2023.
Impressed by Strade Bianche, the race has ten gravel sectors and a steep climb to the end in Úbeda.
“We thought it will be a good suggestion to incorporate the Clásica Jaén and the Volta ao Algarve in my program once more,” Van Aert mentioned in a publish on his workforce’s web site.
“I feel they’re two stunning, different races the place I can instantly check myself. A gravel race at all times makes my coronary heart beat a bit of sooner.
“Final 12 months was my first time using these races. It turned out to be the proper preparation for the Flemish opening weekend. I completed third in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and gained Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne.”
In 2024, Van Aert punctured late within the race and completed forty fifth within the Clásica Jaén behind solo winner Oier Lazkano (Movistar) – the final of the finishers.
Nonetheless, he had higher luck within the Volta ao Algarve the place he gained a stage and completed seventh general.
This 12 months, Van Aert shall be joined by Jonas Vingegaard within the Volta ao Algarve line-up, with the final of 5 levels a 19.6km time trial ending on the Alto do Malhão.
“The Volta ao Algarve has a little bit of all the pieces,” Van Aert mentioned. “There are a number of levels the place I see alternatives to go for the win, however the primary objective is to take one other step in my preparation for the large spring classics. After all, we’ll additionally purpose for the general victory with Jonas. I am wanting ahead to racing my first highway races of the season.”
Visma-Lease a Bike for the Clásica Jaén: Wout van Aert, Sepp Kuss, Tiesj Benoot, Loe van Belle, Menno Huising, and Tijmen Graat.
