{"id":1828821,"date":"2026-03-15T13:39:12","date_gmt":"2026-03-15T10:39:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1828821"},"modified":"2026-03-15T13:39:12","modified_gmt":"2026-03-15T10:39:12","slug":"im-going-there-to-win-wout-van-aert-finds-race-hardness-for-milan-san-remo-return-by-suffering-at-tirreno-adriatico","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1828821","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;I&#8217;m going there to win&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert finds &#8216;race hardness&#8217; for Milan-San Remo return by suffering at Tirreno-Adriatico"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-2560-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVisma-Lease a Bike\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWout van Aert\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I&#8217;m going there to win&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert finds &#8216;race hardness&#8217; for Milan-San Remo return by suffering at Tirreno-Adriatico<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-15T13:39:12Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n15 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian seems back on track for Classics after a week of intense racing in Italy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"4898ae7b-c261-4276-9cb1-c41b2498df22\">Wout van Aert has gone deep on numerous occasions during Tirreno-Adriatico, but the suffering on his face should be replaced by a smile following the race&#8217;s conclusion in San Benedetto del Tronto, with his stock for the Classics rising in time for next week&#8217;s Milan-San Remo.<\/p>\n<p>Van Aert fractured his ankle on January 2 while racing cyclocross and then had to miss Omloop Het Nieuwsblad due to a nasty illness.<\/p>\n<p id=\"4898ae7b-c261-4276-9cb1-c41b2498df22-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He was off the top riders&#8217; pace at Strade Bianche and made mistakes during the early stages of Tirreno-Adriatico, but was back to his best on Saturday. He made the selection during the many climbs of the stage to Camerino and rode generously to set up Matteo Jorgenson&#8217;s attempt to win the stage and move up from third overall.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xMH7UKbmKtyqUzWHF6JoST-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xMH7UKbmKtyqUzWHF6JoST-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Milan-San Remo should be fun&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel shows he is ready for the Classics with Tirreno-Adriatico tactical masterclass<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QRCMbBz6GLLaESiR5WA72g-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QRCMbBz6GLLaESiR5WA72g-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Very disappointed, I made a few wrong choices&#8217; \u2013 Does Wout van Aert have positioning issues to address before the major Classics after another missed opportunity?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jshCXAHngxGRjqNewUBPLn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jshCXAHngxGRjqNewUBPLn-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I\u2019ll arrive at the start with more question marks than I had hoped&#8217; &#8211; Wout van Aert prepares for voyage into the dark at Strade Bianche<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI won\u2019t say I feel top-notch, but it is good enough,\u201d Van Aert told the Flemish media of his growing form and week of &#8216;gaining race hardness.&#8217;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;You can\u2019t simulate this work in training. Even with a good training schedule, you always choose a certain comfort zone. Here, the pace is set by someone else; you have to ride in a peloton and respond to attacks. You need that race feeling. It\u2019s a clich\u00e9, but you can\u2019t replicate that.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Van Aert has not won a race since last year&#8217;s spectacular success on the Paris stage of the Tour de France. He is not yet back to that moment of grace and rued racing a little too generously on stage 5 to Martinsicuro when his eternal rival, Mathieu van der Poel, benefitted from his work to win the reduced sprint.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Van Aert gave himself eight of ten for a &#8220;fun week&#8221; of racing in Italy, but had regrets.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-6XcLyGq98ZYTjypmCTsLR5\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-6XcLyGq98ZYTjypmCTsLR5 slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;With a victory added, we might have scored even higher, but otherwise, I&#8217;m super satisfied,&#8221; he said,<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I was able to do my thing on a few stages, I came close to victory once and I feel good. This is what I had in mind for this week.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">And when will the Wout van Aert killer instinct return?<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaduoC5KAaRR94gw6GxkVM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaduoC5KAaRR94gw6GxkVM-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Not the smartest thing to do&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Wout van Aert rues another missed opportunity at Tirreno-Adriatico<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Never say never\u2026&#8217; &#8211; Tirreno-Adriatico sprint win gives Jonathan Milan a glimpse of hope for Milan-San Remo sprint finish<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFEs6kzP32WQE3iwcWcnAg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFEs6kzP32WQE3iwcWcnAg-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;If I was a runner or anything else, I would be out for months&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert optimistic for refreshed approach in 2026 despite recent ankle fracture<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Patience is a virtue,&#8221; he replied with a smile. &#8220;If I can have a good Classics period from now on, where I can give my best every time, I will be satisfied. I hope the results will follow.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Van Aert must be hoping his form will increase thanks to some super compensation recovery after going deep at Tirreno-Adriatico. He will return home to Belgium for a few days and a long final train ride before returning to Italy later in the week. As the 2020 Milan-San Remo winner, he will be one of the big names present at Friday&#8217;s team presentation in Pavia and then faces 298 km in the saddle on Saturday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">With Tadej Pogcar and Van der Poel riding so well, Van Aert may need the power and speed to go with them on the Cipressa and then again on the Poggio if he is to win a second Milan-San Remo.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Van Aert has never finished outside the top five in eight rides of La Classicissima.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t think I am one of the favorites. Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel are the big favorites,&#8221; he suggested, perhaps already playing tactical mind games with his rivals.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I can win, because San Remo is a race par excellence where anything can happen. I think my legs were good this past week. I&#8217;m going there to win.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I have never ridden a bad San Remo, so I am happy to be back. Last year, from an altitude training camp in Tenerife, I watched with a bit of a heavy heart how that finale unfolded.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-6XcLyGq98ZYTjypmCTsLR5\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-6XcLyGq98ZYTjypmCTsLR5 slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Stephen Farrand<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Editor-at-large<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Stephen is one of the most experienced members of the <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> team, having reported on professional cycling since 1994. Before becoming Editor-at-large, he was Head of News at <em>Cyclingnews.<\/em> He has previously worked for <em>Shift Active Media, Reuters<\/em> and <em>Cycling Weekly. <\/em>He is a member of the Board of the Association Internationale des Journalistes du Cyclisme (AIJC).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xMH7UKbmKtyqUzWHF6JoST-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xMH7UKbmKtyqUzWHF6JoST-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xMH7UKbmKtyqUzWHF6JoST-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xMH7UKbmKtyqUzWHF6JoST-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xMH7UKbmKtyqUzWHF6JoST-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Milan-San Remo should be fun&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel shows he is ready for the Classics with Tirreno-Adriatico tactical masterclass<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QRCMbBz6GLLaESiR5WA72g-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QRCMbBz6GLLaESiR5WA72g-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QRCMbBz6GLLaESiR5WA72g-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QRCMbBz6GLLaESiR5WA72g-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QRCMbBz6GLLaESiR5WA72g-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Very disappointed, I made a few wrong choices&#8217; \u2013 Does Wout van Aert have positioning issues to address before the major Classics after another missed opportunity?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jshCXAHngxGRjqNewUBPLn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jshCXAHngxGRjqNewUBPLn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jshCXAHngxGRjqNewUBPLn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jshCXAHngxGRjqNewUBPLn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jshCXAHngxGRjqNewUBPLn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I\u2019ll arrive at the start with more question marks than I had hoped&#8217; &#8211; Wout van Aert prepares for voyage into the dark at Strade Bianche<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaduoC5KAaRR94gw6GxkVM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaduoC5KAaRR94gw6GxkVM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaduoC5KAaRR94gw6GxkVM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaduoC5KAaRR94gw6GxkVM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaduoC5KAaRR94gw6GxkVM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Not the smartest thing to do&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Wout van Aert rues another missed opportunity at Tirreno-Adriatico<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Never say never\u2026&#8217; &#8211; Tirreno-Adriatico sprint win gives Jonathan Milan a glimpse of hope for Milan-San Remo sprint finish<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFEs6kzP32WQE3iwcWcnAg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFEs6kzP32WQE3iwcWcnAg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFEs6kzP32WQE3iwcWcnAg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFEs6kzP32WQE3iwcWcnAg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFEs6kzP32WQE3iwcWcnAg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If I was a runner or anything else, I would be out for months&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert optimistic for refreshed approach in 2026 despite recent ankle fracture<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m not thinking about retirement yet&#8217; &#8211; Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d confirms he will miss Tour de France but is not done yet<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FU4aHvWHtTFehC8LLkfdyR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FU4aHvWHtTFehC8LLkfdyR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FU4aHvWHtTFehC8LLkfdyR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FU4aHvWHtTFehC8LLkfdyR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FU4aHvWHtTFehC8LLkfdyR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">\u2018Finally I get it right\u2019 &#8211; Jonas Vingegaard celebrates winning Paris-Nice in dominant fashion<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Never say never\u2026&#8217; &#8211; Tirreno-Adriatico sprint win gives Jonathan Milan a glimpse of hope for Milan-San Remo sprint finish<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CQYpNqTGNCUExQM3u8rvpF-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CQYpNqTGNCUExQM3u8rvpF-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CQYpNqTGNCUExQM3u8rvpF-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CQYpNqTGNCUExQM3u8rvpF-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CQYpNqTGNCUExQM3u8rvpF-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;For a moment I thought about stopping&#8217; \u2013 Crash caused by teammate almost denies Dani Mart\u00ednez second place on GC at Paris-Nice<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xiDtzx2wU8MaZc8aXt4Lrm-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xiDtzx2wU8MaZc8aXt4Lrm-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xiDtzx2wU8MaZc8aXt4Lrm-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xiDtzx2wU8MaZc8aXt4Lrm-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xiDtzx2wU8MaZc8aXt4Lrm-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The first sprint I&#8217;ve won in my career&#8217; \u2013 Matteo Jorgenson snatches second overall at Tirreno-Adriatico but concedes &#8216;Del Toro was stronger at every turn&#8217; <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s only a matter of time before he wins Milan-San Remo&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel braces himself for first face-off with Tadej Poga\u010dar in 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m not thinking about retirement yet&#8217; &#8211; Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d confirms he will miss Tour de France but is not done yet<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FU4aHvWHtTFehC8LLkfdyR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FU4aHvWHtTFehC8LLkfdyR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FU4aHvWHtTFehC8LLkfdyR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FU4aHvWHtTFehC8LLkfdyR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FU4aHvWHtTFehC8LLkfdyR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">\u2018Finally I get it right\u2019 &#8211; Jonas Vingegaard celebrates winning Paris-Nice in dominant fashion<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Never say never\u2026&#8217; &#8211; Tirreno-Adriatico sprint win gives Jonathan Milan a glimpse of hope for Milan-San Remo sprint finish<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CQYpNqTGNCUExQM3u8rvpF-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CQYpNqTGNCUExQM3u8rvpF-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CQYpNqTGNCUExQM3u8rvpF-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CQYpNqTGNCUExQM3u8rvpF-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CQYpNqTGNCUExQM3u8rvpF-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;For a moment I thought about stopping&#8217; \u2013 Crash caused by teammate almost denies Dani Mart\u00ednez second place on GC at Paris-Nice<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xiDtzx2wU8MaZc8aXt4Lrm-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xiDtzx2wU8MaZc8aXt4Lrm-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xiDtzx2wU8MaZc8aXt4Lrm-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xiDtzx2wU8MaZc8aXt4Lrm-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xiDtzx2wU8MaZc8aXt4Lrm-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The first sprint I&#8217;ve won in my career&#8217; \u2013 Matteo Jorgenson snatches second overall at Tirreno-Adriatico but concedes &#8216;Del Toro was stronger at every turn&#8217; <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s only a matter of time before he wins Milan-San Remo&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel braces himself for first face-off with Tadej Poga\u010dar in 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e continues hauling in the victories at Mid South Gravel while Cobe Freeburn claims men\u2019s title<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I&#8217;m not thinking about retirement yet&#8217; &#8211; Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d confirms he will miss Tour de France but is not done yet<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\u2018Finally I get it right\u2019 &#8211; Jonas Vingegaard celebrates winning Paris-Nice in dominant fashion<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;The best we could achieve in the situation&#8217; &#8211; Anna van der Breggen after second place in Trofeo Binda<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Never say never\u2026&#8217; &#8211; Tirreno-Adriatico sprint win gives Jonathan Milan a glimpse of hope for Milan-San Remo sprint finish<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVisma-Lease a Bike\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWout van Aert\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I&#8217;m going there to win&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert finds &#8216;race hardness&#8217; for Milan-San Remo return by suffering at Tirreno-Adriatico<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-15T13:39:12Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n15 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian seems back on track for Classics after a week of intense racing in Italy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"4898ae7b-c261-4276-9cb1-c41b2498df22\">Wout van Aert has gone deep on numerous occasions during Tirreno-Adriatico, but the suffering on his face should be replaced by a smile following the race&#8217;s conclusion in San Benedetto del Tronto, with his stock for the Classics rising in time for next week&#8217;s Milan-San Remo.<\/p>\n<p>Van Aert fractured his ankle on January 2 while racing cyclocross and then had to miss Omloop Het Nieuwsblad due to a nasty illness.<\/p>\n<p id=\"4898ae7b-c261-4276-9cb1-c41b2498df22-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He was off the top riders&#8217; pace at Strade Bianche and made mistakes during the early stages of Tirreno-Adriatico, but was back to his best on Saturday. He made the selection during the many climbs of the stage to Camerino and rode generously to set up Matteo Jorgenson&#8217;s attempt to win the stage and move up from third overall.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xMH7UKbmKtyqUzWHF6JoST-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xMH7UKbmKtyqUzWHF6JoST-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Milan-San Remo should be fun&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel shows he is ready for the Classics with Tirreno-Adriatico tactical masterclass<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QRCMbBz6GLLaESiR5WA72g-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QRCMbBz6GLLaESiR5WA72g-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Very disappointed, I made a few wrong choices&#8217; \u2013 Does Wout van Aert have positioning issues to address before the major Classics after another missed opportunity?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jshCXAHngxGRjqNewUBPLn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jshCXAHngxGRjqNewUBPLn-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I\u2019ll arrive at the start with more question marks than I had hoped&#8217; &#8211; Wout van Aert prepares for voyage into the dark at Strade Bianche<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI won\u2019t say I feel top-notch, but it is good enough,\u201d Van Aert told the Flemish media of his growing form and week of &#8216;gaining race hardness.&#8217;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;You can\u2019t simulate this work in training. Even with a good training schedule, you always choose a certain comfort zone. Here, the pace is set by someone else; you have to ride in a peloton and respond to attacks. You need that race feeling. It\u2019s a clich\u00e9, but you can\u2019t replicate that.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Van Aert has not won a race since last year&#8217;s spectacular success on the Paris stage of the Tour de France. He is not yet back to that moment of grace and rued racing a little too generously on stage 5 to Martinsicuro when his eternal rival, Mathieu van der Poel, benefitted from his work to win the reduced sprint.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Van Aert gave himself eight of ten for a &#8220;fun week&#8221; of racing in Italy, but had regrets.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-6XcLyGq98ZYTjypmCTsLR5\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-6XcLyGq98ZYTjypmCTsLR5 slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;With a victory added, we might have scored even higher, but otherwise, I&#8217;m super satisfied,&#8221; he said,<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I was able to do my thing on a few stages, I came close to victory once and I feel good. This is what I had in mind for this week.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">And when will the Wout van Aert killer instinct return?<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaduoC5KAaRR94gw6GxkVM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaduoC5KAaRR94gw6GxkVM-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Not the smartest thing to do&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Wout van Aert rues another missed opportunity at Tirreno-Adriatico<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Never say never\u2026&#8217; &#8211; Tirreno-Adriatico sprint win gives Jonathan Milan a glimpse of hope for Milan-San Remo sprint finish<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFEs6kzP32WQE3iwcWcnAg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFEs6kzP32WQE3iwcWcnAg-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;If I was a runner or anything else, I would be out for months&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert optimistic for refreshed approach in 2026 despite recent ankle fracture<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Patience is a virtue,&#8221; he replied with a smile. &#8220;If I can have a good Classics period from now on, where I can give my best every time, I will be satisfied. I hope the results will follow.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Van Aert must be hoping his form will increase thanks to some super compensation recovery after going deep at Tirreno-Adriatico. He will return home to Belgium for a few days and a long final train ride before returning to Italy later in the week. As the 2020 Milan-San Remo winner, he will be one of the big names present at Friday&#8217;s team presentation in Pavia and then faces 298 km in the saddle on Saturday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">With Tadej Pogcar and Van der Poel riding so well, Van Aert may need the power and speed to go with them on the Cipressa and then again on the Poggio if he is to win a second Milan-San Remo.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Van Aert has never finished outside the top five in eight rides of La Classicissima.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t think I am one of the favorites. Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel are the big favorites,&#8221; he suggested, perhaps already playing tactical mind games with his rivals.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I can win, because San Remo is a race par excellence where anything can happen. I think my legs were good this past week. I&#8217;m going there to win.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I have never ridden a bad San Remo, so I am happy to be back. Last year, from an altitude training camp in Tenerife, I watched with a bit of a heavy heart how that finale unfolded.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-6XcLyGq98ZYTjypmCTsLR5\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-6XcLyGq98ZYTjypmCTsLR5 slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Stephen Farrand<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Editor-at-large<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Stephen is one of the most experienced members of the <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> team, having reported on professional cycling since 1994. Before becoming Editor-at-large, he was Head of News at <em>Cyclingnews.<\/em> He has previously worked for <em>Shift Active Media, Reuters<\/em> and <em>Cycling Weekly. <\/em>He is a member of the Board of the Association Internationale des Journalistes du Cyclisme (AIJC).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xMH7UKbmKtyqUzWHF6JoST-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xMH7UKbmKtyqUzWHF6JoST-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xMH7UKbmKtyqUzWHF6JoST-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xMH7UKbmKtyqUzWHF6JoST-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xMH7UKbmKtyqUzWHF6JoST-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Milan-San Remo should be fun&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel shows he is ready for the Classics with Tirreno-Adriatico tactical masterclass<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QRCMbBz6GLLaESiR5WA72g-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QRCMbBz6GLLaESiR5WA72g-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QRCMbBz6GLLaESiR5WA72g-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QRCMbBz6GLLaESiR5WA72g-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QRCMbBz6GLLaESiR5WA72g-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Very disappointed, I made a few wrong choices&#8217; \u2013 Does Wout van Aert have positioning issues to address before the major Classics after another missed opportunity?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jshCXAHngxGRjqNewUBPLn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jshCXAHngxGRjqNewUBPLn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jshCXAHngxGRjqNewUBPLn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jshCXAHngxGRjqNewUBPLn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jshCXAHngxGRjqNewUBPLn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I\u2019ll arrive at the start with more question marks than I had hoped&#8217; &#8211; Wout van Aert prepares for voyage into the dark at Strade Bianche<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaduoC5KAaRR94gw6GxkVM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaduoC5KAaRR94gw6GxkVM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaduoC5KAaRR94gw6GxkVM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaduoC5KAaRR94gw6GxkVM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaduoC5KAaRR94gw6GxkVM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Not the smartest thing to do&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Wout van Aert rues another missed opportunity at Tirreno-Adriatico<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Never say never\u2026&#8217; &#8211; Tirreno-Adriatico sprint win gives Jonathan Milan a glimpse of hope for Milan-San Remo sprint finish<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFEs6kzP32WQE3iwcWcnAg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFEs6kzP32WQE3iwcWcnAg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFEs6kzP32WQE3iwcWcnAg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFEs6kzP32WQE3iwcWcnAg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFEs6kzP32WQE3iwcWcnAg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If I was a runner or anything else, I would be out for months&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert optimistic for refreshed approach in 2026 despite recent ankle fracture<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m not thinking about retirement yet&#8217; &#8211; Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d confirms he will miss Tour de France but is not done yet<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FU4aHvWHtTFehC8LLkfdyR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FU4aHvWHtTFehC8LLkfdyR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FU4aHvWHtTFehC8LLkfdyR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FU4aHvWHtTFehC8LLkfdyR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FU4aHvWHtTFehC8LLkfdyR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">\u2018Finally I get it right\u2019 &#8211; Jonas Vingegaard celebrates winning Paris-Nice in dominant fashion<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Never say never\u2026&#8217; &#8211; Tirreno-Adriatico sprint win gives Jonathan Milan a glimpse of hope for Milan-San Remo sprint finish<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CQYpNqTGNCUExQM3u8rvpF-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CQYpNqTGNCUExQM3u8rvpF-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CQYpNqTGNCUExQM3u8rvpF-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CQYpNqTGNCUExQM3u8rvpF-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CQYpNqTGNCUExQM3u8rvpF-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;For a moment I thought about stopping&#8217; \u2013 Crash caused by teammate almost denies Dani Mart\u00ednez second place on GC at Paris-Nice<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xiDtzx2wU8MaZc8aXt4Lrm-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xiDtzx2wU8MaZc8aXt4Lrm-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xiDtzx2wU8MaZc8aXt4Lrm-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xiDtzx2wU8MaZc8aXt4Lrm-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xiDtzx2wU8MaZc8aXt4Lrm-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The first sprint I&#8217;ve won in my career&#8217; \u2013 Matteo Jorgenson snatches second overall at Tirreno-Adriatico but concedes &#8216;Del Toro was stronger at every turn&#8217; <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s only a matter of time before he wins Milan-San Remo&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel braces himself for first face-off with Tadej Poga\u010dar in 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m not thinking about retirement yet&#8217; &#8211; Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d confirms he will miss Tour de France but is not done yet<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FU4aHvWHtTFehC8LLkfdyR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FU4aHvWHtTFehC8LLkfdyR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FU4aHvWHtTFehC8LLkfdyR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FU4aHvWHtTFehC8LLkfdyR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FU4aHvWHtTFehC8LLkfdyR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">\u2018Finally I get it right\u2019 &#8211; Jonas Vingegaard celebrates winning Paris-Nice in dominant fashion<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Never say never\u2026&#8217; &#8211; Tirreno-Adriatico sprint win gives Jonathan Milan a glimpse of hope for Milan-San Remo sprint finish<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CQYpNqTGNCUExQM3u8rvpF-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CQYpNqTGNCUExQM3u8rvpF-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CQYpNqTGNCUExQM3u8rvpF-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CQYpNqTGNCUExQM3u8rvpF-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CQYpNqTGNCUExQM3u8rvpF-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;For a moment I thought about stopping&#8217; \u2013 Crash caused by teammate almost denies Dani Mart\u00ednez second place on GC at Paris-Nice<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xiDtzx2wU8MaZc8aXt4Lrm-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xiDtzx2wU8MaZc8aXt4Lrm-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xiDtzx2wU8MaZc8aXt4Lrm-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xiDtzx2wU8MaZc8aXt4Lrm-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xiDtzx2wU8MaZc8aXt4Lrm-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The first sprint I&#8217;ve won in my career&#8217; \u2013 Matteo Jorgenson snatches second overall at Tirreno-Adriatico but concedes &#8216;Del Toro was stronger at every turn&#8217; <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ut5sNvCNcbCA9zyqjAKVPc-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s only a matter of time before he wins Milan-San Remo&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel braces himself for first face-off with Tadej Poga\u010dar in 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e continues hauling in the victories at Mid South Gravel while Cobe Freeburn claims men\u2019s title<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I&#8217;m not thinking about retirement yet&#8217; &#8211; Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d confirms he will miss Tour de France but is not done yet<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\u2018Finally I get it right\u2019 &#8211; Jonas Vingegaard celebrates winning Paris-Nice in dominant fashion<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;The best we could achieve in the situation&#8217; &#8211; Anna van der Breggen after second place in Trofeo Binda<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Never say never\u2026&#8217; &#8211; Tirreno-Adriatico sprint win gives Jonathan Milan a glimpse of hope for Milan-San Remo sprint finish<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVisma-Lease a Bike\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWout van Aert\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I&#8217;m going there to win&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert finds &#8216;race hardness&#8217; for Milan-San Remo return by suffering at Tirreno-Adriatico<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-15T13:39:12Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n15 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian seems back on track for Classics after a week of intense racing in Italy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"4898ae7b-c261-4276-9cb1-c41b2498df22\">Wout van Aert has gone deep on numerous occasions during Tirreno-Adriatico, but the suffering on his face should be replaced by a smile following the race&#8217;s conclusion in San Benedetto del Tronto, with his stock for the Classics rising in time for next week&#8217;s Milan-San Remo.<\/p>\n<p>Van Aert fractured his ankle on January 2 while racing cyclocross and then had to miss Omloop Het Nieuwsblad due to a nasty illness.<\/p>\n<p id=\"4898ae7b-c261-4276-9cb1-c41b2498df22-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He was off the top riders&#8217; pace at Strade Bianche and made mistakes during the early stages of Tirreno-Adriatico, but was back to his best on Saturday. He made the selection during the many climbs of the stage to Camerino and rode generously to set up Matteo Jorgenson&#8217;s attempt to win the stage and move up from third overall.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xMH7UKbmKtyqUzWHF6JoST-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xMH7UKbmKtyqUzWHF6JoST-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Milan-San Remo should be fun&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel shows he is ready for the Classics with Tirreno-Adriatico tactical masterclass<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QRCMbBz6GLLaESiR5WA72g-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QRCMbBz6GLLaESiR5WA72g-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Very disappointed, I made a few wrong choices&#8217; \u2013 Does Wout van Aert have positioning issues to address before the major Classics after another missed opportunity?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jshCXAHngxGRjqNewUBPLn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jshCXAHngxGRjqNewUBPLn-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I\u2019ll arrive at the start with more question marks than I had hoped&#8217; &#8211; Wout van Aert prepares for voyage into the dark at Strade Bianche<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI won\u2019t say I feel top-notch, but it is good enough,\u201d Van Aert told the Flemish media of his growing form and week of &#8216;gaining race hardness.&#8217;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;You can\u2019t simulate this work in training. Even with a good training schedule, you always choose a certain comfort zone. Here, the pace is set by someone else; you have to ride in a peloton and respond to attacks. You need that race feeling. It\u2019s a clich\u00e9, but you can\u2019t replicate that.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Van Aert has not won a race since last year&#8217;s spectacular success on the Paris stage of the Tour de France. He is not yet back to that moment of grace and rued racing a little too generously on stage 5 to Martinsicuro when his eternal rival, Mathieu van der Poel, benefitted from his work to win the reduced sprint.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Van Aert gave himself eight of ten for a &#8220;fun week&#8221; of racing in Italy, but had regrets.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-6XcLyGq98ZYTjypmCTsLR5\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-6XcLyGq98ZYTjypmCTsLR5 slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;With a victory added, we might have scored even higher, but otherwise, I&#8217;m super satisfied,&#8221; he said,<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I was able to do my thing on a few stages, I came close to victory once and I feel good. This is what I had in mind for this week.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">And when will the Wout van Aert killer instinct return?<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaduoC5KAaRR94gw6GxkVM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaduoC5KAaRR94gw6GxkVM-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Not the smartest thing to do&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Wout van Aert rues another missed opportunity at Tirreno-Adriatico<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LDhcEgEBPgQ474abPdVAt6-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Never say never\u2026&#8217; &#8211; Tirreno-Adriatico sprint win gives Jonathan Milan a glimpse of hope for Milan-San Remo sprint finish<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFEs6kzP32WQE3iwcWcnAg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFEs6kzP32WQE3iwcWcnAg-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;If I was a runner or anything else, I would be out for months&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert optimistic for refreshed approach in 2026 despite recent ankle fracture<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Patience is a virtue,&#8221; he replied with a smile. &#8220;If I can have a good Classics period from now on, where I can give my best every time, I will be satisfied. I hope the results will follow.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Van Aert must be hoping his form will increase thanks to some super compensation recovery after going deep at Tirreno-Adriatico. He will return home to Belgium for a few days and a long final train ride before returning to Italy later in the week. As the 2020 Milan-San Remo winner, he will be one of the big names present at Friday&#8217;s team presentation in Pavia and then faces 298 km in the saddle on Saturday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">With Tadej Pogcar and Van der Poel riding so well, Van Aert may need the power and speed to go with them on the Cipressa and then again on the Poggio if he is to win a second Milan-San Remo.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Van Aert has never finished outside the top five in eight rides of La Classicissima.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t think I am one of the favorites. Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel are the big favorites,&#8221; he suggested, perhaps already playing tactical mind games with his rivals.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I can win, because San Remo is a race par excellence where anything can happen. I think my legs were good this past week. I&#8217;m going there to win.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I have never ridden a bad San Remo, so I am happy to be back. Last year, from an altitude training camp in Tenerife, I watched with a bit of a heavy heart how that finale unfolded.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/im-going-there-to-win-wout-van-aert-finds-race-hardness-for-milan-san-remo-return-by-suffering-at-tirreno-adriatico\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Teams &amp; Riders Visma-Lease a Bike Wout van Aert &#8216;I&#8217;m going there to win&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert finds &#8216;race hardness&#8217; for Milan-San Remo return by suffering at Tirreno-Adriatico News By Stephen Farrand published 15 March 2026 Belgian seems back on track for Classics after a week of intense racing [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-1828821","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1828821","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1828821"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1828821\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1828821"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1828821"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1828821"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}