Van Aert began his career in cyclo-cross where he became World champion (2016, 2017, 2018) and Belgian champion (2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022).

Van Aert rode the 2018 Strade Bianche, held partly on gravel roads in torrential rain.

However, he broke away with Romain Bardet (AG2R La Mondiale) and the pair lead the race for much of the final 40 kilometers (25 miles) before Tiesj Benoot (Lotto–Soudal) attacked from a chasing group to catch and then drop them in the final sector of dirt roads.

Wout, van Aert weight loss: How did he lose 2kg?

Wout van Aert is two kilograms and five weeks away from full fitness, according to Jumbo-Visma coach Marc Lamberts, meaning he may not be at his best for his return to racing at Strade Bianche but should peak for the cobbled Classics later in the spring.

The cyclo-cross season and the birth of his son meant Van Aert missed the bulk of the team’s January training camp but he’s now ramping up his preparations for the 2021 road campaign. He is currently in Tenerife, nearly halfway through a three-week altitude training camp.

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