Wout van Aert will get started his highway season subsequent week on the Clásica Jaén, taking a identical trail to the Classics as he did in 2024.
The Spanish one-day race is moderately new at the calendar however has already introduced in a box of WorldTour groups stacked with best riders. Tadej Pogačar received the Clásica Jaén in 2023.
Impressed through Strade Bianche, the race has ten gravel sectors and a steep climb to the end in Úbeda.
“We thought it would be a good idea to include the Clásica Jaén and the Volta ao Algarve in my program again,” Van Aert stated in a submit on his staff’s site.
“I think they are two beautiful, varied races where I can immediately test myself. A gravel race always makes my heart beat a little faster.
“Final yr used to be my first time using those races. It became out to be the very best preparation for the Flemish opening weekend. I ended 3rd in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and received Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne.”
In 2024, Van Aert punctured late in the race and finished 45th in the Clásica Jaén behind solo winner Oier Lazkano (Movistar) – the last of the finishers.
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However, he had better luck in the Volta ao Algarve where he won a stage and finished seventh overall.
This year, Van Aert will be joined by Jonas Vingegaard in the Volta ao Algarve line-up, with the last of five stages a 19.6km time trial ending on the Alto do Malhão.
“The Volta ao Algarve has slightly of the whole lot,” Van Aert said. “There are a couple of phases the place I see alternatives to head for the win, however the principle objective is to take some other step in my preparation for the massive spring classics. In fact, we will additionally purpose for the entire victory with Jonas. I am taking a look ahead to racing my first highway races of the season.”
Visma-Hire a Motorbike for the Clásica Jaén: Wout van Aert, Sepp Kuss, Tiesj Benoot, Loe van Belle, Menno Huising, and Tijmen Graat.
