Wout van Aert, a prominent Belgian cyclist representing Visma-Lease a Bike, is setting his sights on clinching a third title at the E3 Saxo Classic, a prestigious one-day race that highlights the early season excitement of the Spring Classics. His preparation leading up to this significant event has involved a rigorous altitude training regimen, which he confidently regards as a “tried and tested recipe.” Recently, he spent three extensive weeks training on the renowned Mount Teide in Tenerife, a peak that is favored by many cyclists for its high-altitude benefits, helping athletes enhance their endurance and performance.
Having already claimed victory in the E3 Saxo Classic in both 2022 and 2023, van Aert is undoubtedly keen to reclaim his crown amidst fierce competition. A key rival in this upcoming battle is Mathieu van der Poel, a fellow cyclist from the Alpecin-Deceuninck team who is also vying for the title of 2024 champion. As van Aert prepares for the race scheduled for March 28, he expressed an eager anticipation to get back on the racing circuit. “I’m really looking forward to pinning on a race number once again,” he stated, indicating his excitement at returning to competitive cycling after his intense training. He also recognized the inherent uncertainties of racing following such a demanding altitude camp, reminiscent of his experience during the previous year’s E3 Saxo Classic.
The Belgian cyclist emphasized the strength of his current team, which notably includes Matteo Jorgenson, who recently showcased impressive performances during the Paris-Nice event. Van Aert articulated his fondness for the E3 Saxo Classic, revealing, “This is one of my favorite races, and I am proud that I have already won it twice.” However, he has taken a strategic approach, opting to miss out on this race, as well as the Strade Bianche, to concentrate on optimizing his form specifically for the cobbled routes that are characteristic of the Spring Classics. Additionally, he will sit out the upcoming Gent-Wevelgem as part of this careful planning.
Mathieu Heijboer, the head of performance at Visma, has voiced confidence regarding van Aert’s training regimen. He mentioned, “For Wout and for us, it is now a tried and tested recipe,” highlighting their understanding of the demands such a training approach entails and reinforcing their belief in van Aert’s resilience. However, he accentuated the importance of executing the plan meticulously, stating that ensuring “everything is done right” is crucial for achieving success.
Reflecting on the previous year’s strategy, Heijboer recalled that while they attempted a similar high-altitude training plan for van Aert, unforeseen challenges arose during the E3 Saxo Classic, where he faced trouble early on and eventually finished third. Following this, a high-speed collision during the Dwars door Vlaanderen prematurely ended van Aert’s spring season, derailing their carefully laid plans. Heijboer lamented, “Unfortunately, we were unable to reap the benefits due to his heavy crash in Dwars door Vlaanderen,” recognizing the weight of the mishap on van Aert’s overall performance.
Despite these setbacks, Heijboer noted that the positive feedback from the altitude training camp lingered in van Aert’s mind. “It gave him the necessary motivation to do it again,” he remarked, indicating that such experiences can fuel an athlete’s determination. Although the potential outcomes of a successful execution of the previous year’s preparation remain uncertain, both cyclist and team appear buoyed by the prospect of this year’s race.
As the anticipated E3 Saxo Classic approaches, cycling enthusiasts can look forward to streaming this thrilling event along with other significant races such as the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France, and Vuelta a España, all available live and on-demand through TNT Sports and discovery+. The Spring Classics season never fails to deliver excitement, with narratives of triumph, rivalry, and the pursuit of excellence unfolding with each race.