Adam Blythe, a former professional cyclist, recently shared his thoughts on Wout van Aert from the Visma-Lease a Bike team, suggesting that the Belgian rider’s social dynamics within the peloton might be holding him back. According to Blythe, the camaraderie between cyclists is crucial during races, especially when it comes to forming alliances in breakaways. At the heart of Blythe’s commentary is the stark contrast between Van Aert and his competitors, particularly Mathieu van der Poel of Alpecin-Deceuninck and Tadej Pogacar from UAE Emirates-XRG.
Throughout the recent cobbled classics, Van Aert had a less than stellar performance, notably finishing fourth in significant events like Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. In an interview with TNT Sports, Blythe articulated his feeling that Van Aert seems to lack the solid connections that others possess, asserting that both van der Poel and Pogacar may be “more against” Van Aert than working in tandem with him. The absence of a robust social network in the biking community might lead to missed opportunities for Van Aert to leverage strategic alliances during challenging races.
Blythe explained his perspective during an episode of the Ultimate Cycling Show, where he described Van Aert as an “outsider.” He noted, “He just doesn’t seem to have the friends that he needs in the peloton.” Despite being respected, Blythe suggests that Van Aert’s lack of camaraderie could impact his racing tactics negatively. Drawing from his own experience in cycling, he mentioned the importance of communication among riders during breakaways. For instance, witnessing riders like Mathieu van der Poel, Mads Pedersen, and Pogacar interact and strategize could indicate a collaborative spirit, while Van Aert appears to be sidelined, which may lead to feelings of isolation and mistrust.
Blythe continued to elaborate on the significance of these small yet meaningful interactions. He believes that being integrated into conversations during races can shape strategies and build alliances that are critical for victory. His observations during events such as Paris-Roubaix show that van der Poel and others openly communicate while Van Aert seems to remain distant from this camaraderie. The implication of this social divide may provoke tensions where Van Aert could feel ganged up on, which complicates the dynamics of racing.
In a related discussion, Luke Durbridge, a rider for Jayco AlUla, echoed Blythe’s sentiments, likening the interplay between Wout, van der Poel, and Pogacar to a sibling rivalry where two “brothers” appear to conspire against one. Durbridge remarked on how van der Poel and Pogacar maintain a friendly relationship despite their fierce competition on the track. He conveyed admiration for their ability to maintain a familial bond even amidst the pressure of performance.
Blythe pointed out that van der Poel and Pogacar operate on a clear understanding; their rivalry is straightforward, where the strongest rider clinches victory without much tactical treachery. In contrast, he believes Van Aert will need to adopt a more strategic approach rather than rely solely on his physical prowess. Blythe worries that in scenarios such as Flanders, the competitive pair may play Van Aert off against his limits rather than invite him into their fold. This tactical exclusion could see Van Aert dropping off the pace, leaving the stage clear for a head-to-head showdown between van der Poel and Pogacar.
Ultimately, Blythe’s insights highlight a core aspect of cycling—relationships and strategy play as much a role as strength and speed in determining the race’s outcome. The social dynamics within the peloton reveal the complexities of teamwork and competition that can significantly impact an athlete’s performance. For Van Aert to realize his full potential, fostering stronger interpersonal connections within the cycling community might be essential. The nuances of being not just a competitor but also a comrade could make all the difference in upcoming competitions. Viewers can continue to follow the unfolding cycling season live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
