After a successful start to the season in Australia and Oman, Team Visma | Lease a Bike heads to the Spanish-Portuguese doubleheader with a strong lineup. Just like last year, Van Aert will take part in the Clásica Jaén on February 17, a race known for its many gravel sections. A few days later, the Belgian will line up for the Portuguese stage race Volta ao Algarve, where Vingegaard will join him.
"A gravel race always makes my heart beat a little faster"
Wout van Aert
Van Aert is opting for a similar approach to last season. The 30-year-old Belgian, who had his share of bad luck in Jaén in 2024, sees these two races as the perfect preparation for his bigger goals in the spring. “Last year was my first time riding these races,” says Van Aert, who won a stage in the Algarve in 2024. “It turned out to be the perfect preparation for the Flemish opening weekend. I finished third in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and won Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne. We thought it would be a good idea to include the Clásica Jaén and the Volta ao Algarve in my program again. 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.” In Jaén, Van Aert will be joined by teammates Sepp Kuss, Tiesj Benoot, Ben Tulett, Loe van Belle, Menno Huising, and Tijmen Graat. The Volta ao Algarve kicks off on February 19 with an opening […]
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