Wout van Aert has revealed to Colombian media that his major aim for the upcoming season would be the Giro d’Italia. The Belgian celebrity’s debut at La Corsa Rosa has been closely rumoured all through the low season, with this affirmation advised to the press throughout his time at Rigoberto Urán’s El Giro de Rigo gran fondo.
With two time trials, brief phases and many punchy finishes, the route appears tailored for the Belgian, be that to chase the maglia rosa itself or to pursue quite a few stage wins.
Van Aert’s look on the Giro was first rumoured by La Gazzetta dello Sport, with the Italian publication stating he would lead their GC ambitions. No affirmation has come from the crew, with crew supervisor Richard Plugge insisting initial reports were premature.
When requested what his key aim for 2024 was by Colombian website Mundo Ciclístico, Van Aert stated: “That’s primarily the Giro d’Italia.”
Jumbo-Visma revealed a limited cyclocross calendar for the multi-discipline celebrity on Tuesday with a give attention to Spring Classics said as the rationale for using much less cross. The Giro might also be enjoying a component in that call.
It seems to be an open secret now that Van Aert will begin the Giro, with senior directeur sportif Merijn Zeeman additionally revealing earlier this month that the Jumbo-Visma crew will head to Italy with lowered ambitions (than the general win) and a roster together with their best young talent.
Jumbo-Visma made historical past in 2023 changing into the primary males’s crew to win all three Grand Excursions in a season, with three totally different riders no much less. However, their Giro Champion Primož Roglič has departed for Bora-Hansgrohe, explaining Zeeman’s reservations about focusing on the win and highlighting why Van Aert might be backed with full management on debut.
One subject which contradicts Van Aert’s reported affirmation is that he yesterday posted on social media alongside sponsor Pink Bull, that he can be finishing a charity run on Could 5 in Breda. This could arrive at some point after the Grande Partenza of the Giro d’Italia in Venaria Reale.
Jumbo-Visma’s crew presentation on December 22 is the place Van Aert’s and all of their riders’ objectives for the 2024 season can be revealed and the rumours can be ended.
Van Aert’s dialog with the Colombian website got here throughout his journey to experience Rigoberto Urán’s 155km gran fondo in Cundinamarca. He spoke extremely of the Colombian followers throughout his time there and the Colombian execs who’ve risen to the highest of the game.
“I’ve actually been drastically shocked and glad with the keenness of the individuals,” stated Van Aert. “I had some information about Colombia earlier than coming because of data from colleagues Tom Dumoulin and Sepp Kuss in addition to my sister who was dwelling in Bogotá for about 2 months.
“I’d like to return and I’ve nothing however phrases of gratitude for Rigo and his spouse for the invitation from which I go away with the perfect reminiscences.”