{"id":1858461,"date":"2026-03-31T16:19:47","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T13:19:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1858461"},"modified":"2026-03-31T16:19:47","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T13:19:47","slug":"well-certainly-not-make-that-same-mistake-again-can-wout-van-aert-and-visma-take-revenge-at-dwars-door-vlaanderen-a-year-on-from-three-against-one-tactical-blunder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1858461","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;We&#8217;ll certainly not make that same mistake again&#8217; \u2013 Can Wout van Aert and Visma take revenge at Dwars door Vlaanderen a year on from three-against-one tactical blunder?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-2560-80.png&#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>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nDwars door Vlaanderen\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;We&#8217;ll certainly not make that same mistake again&#8217; \u2013 Can Wout van Aert and Visma take revenge at Dwars door Vlaanderen a year on from three-against-one tactical blunder?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-31T16:19:47Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n31 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Head of racing Grischa Niermann discusses tactics on the eve of Wednesday&#8217;s race, says leader is &#8216;in very good shape and confident&#8217;<\/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. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-1920-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Van Aert after losing Dwars door Vlaanderen in 2025<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md 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role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; 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=\"font-ui-heading 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=\"elk-e36dcdf7-4e84-48b3-9b21-ed9192c5284e\">Almost 12 months ago to the day, Wout van Aert was left sitting against an anonymous patch of grass against a barrier in Waregem, with all but certain victory in Dwars door Vlaanderen for Visma-Lease a Bike thrown away, and a Visma three-against-one finish with Neilson Powless lost.<\/p>\n<p>Visma-Lease a Bike put on an exhibition to get three riders up the road in the last 71km. With the EF Education-EasyPost rider following, Van Aert told Tiesj Benoot and Matteo Jorgenson not to attack, but to instead wait to lead him out in the sprint.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e36dcdf7-4e84-48b3-9b21-ed9192c5284e-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">When it came to the finish, and with everyone expecting him to dominate Powless, Van Aert cramped and was left to think of just what a mistake he had made in wanting victory for himself too much, as Powless celebrated jubilantly just metres in front of him.<\/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\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-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 want to put up a fight&#8217;  &#8211; Wout van Aert in upbeat mood for In Flanders Fields<\/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 class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It&#8217;s quite simple, I wanted this victory really bad. It was me making the decision quite early on that I wanted to sprint,&#8221; said Van Aert as he relived the heartbreak. &#8220;I was just too selfish and afraid I would come into a situation where I would not be able to go for the first place, and that&#8217;s a big mistake.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Van Aert returns to the Dwars door Vlaanderen alongside a strong squad with Matthew Brennan and Christophe Laporte offering different finishing options. Visma certainly learned their lesson last year, and they won&#8217;t be looking to employ similar tactics if a situation like that arises again in Wednesday&#8217;s race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;We&#8217;re looking forward to racing. I think indeed, we have a very strong team there. Hopefully we can make the race, and we finish it off better than last year,&#8221; Visma&#8217;s head of racing Grischa Niermann told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> on the eve of the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;We even have, I would say, to play it safer if you get into a situation like that. We shouldn&#8217;t ever go to the sprint again, because if you arrive solo, you know you&#8217;ve won.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-EckrHUxydq3T6bqPxNCaXB\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-EckrHUxydq3T6bqPxNCaXB 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;We made a big mistake last year, and we took it with us, and we&#8217;ll certainly not make that same mistake again. But, of course, it could still be that the race ends in the sprint tomorrow, and then we&#8217;ll go for it, but if we have the opportunity, then it&#8217;s better when somebody goes solo.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">With the nature of the packed calendar, Niermann did not dwell on last year&#8217;s blunder. Being the leader he is in the team, Van Aert was the first to say when he&#8217;s made a mistake.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I think for you journalists, that it&#8217;s a big thing, because we are going to do the Dwars door Vlaanderen again. But for us, it&#8217;s been a year, we had some learnings from there; It didn&#8217;t go well, and we went on from that, but it&#8217;s not something that I need to highlight now today,&#8221; said Niermann.<\/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\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-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;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert foiled by &#8216;defensive&#8217; ride from Van der Poel in promising In Flanders Fields attack<\/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\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-150-80.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 understand I win less than I used to but that doesn&#8217;t mean the winner in me has disappeared&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert gaining momentum for the Classics<\/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\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-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\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I think we are always racing as a team collective. Wout is a really good leader and a really good team player, and he knows he made a mistake there. We will approach it differently if that same scenario happens again.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;For us, it&#8217;s not about Dwars door Vlaanderen, it&#8217;s about these scenarios in races, because they can also happen anywhere; in the Amstel Gold Race, for example.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-9d6dfb5f-dd95-4f2b-8d4e-c83071aa54e8\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5rbffLbvVTNB3pwFS4Zj6j-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5rbffLbvVTNB3pwFS4Zj6j-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5rbffLbvVTNB3pwFS4Zj6j-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5rbffLbvVTNB3pwFS4Zj6j-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5rbffLbvVTNB3pwFS4Zj6j-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5rbffLbvVTNB3pwFS4Zj6j-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Van Aert just behind Van der Poel at In Flanders Fields last Sunday <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-38ccdcfe-3b11-4422-9f81-7104298bf42e\">Van Aert has impressed so far this spring Classics despite having a delayed start due to a fractured ankle suffered racing cyclo-cross in January.<\/p>\n<p>He recovered from the pre-Cipressa crash that also affected Tadej Poga\u010dar at Milan-San Remo. After having to wait for a slow bike change, he miraculously fought his way through the groups before attacking solo to finish third behind the World Champion and Tom Pidcock.<\/p>\n<p>He then got his cobbled campaign underway at In Flanders Fields (Gent-Wevelgem), launching the key attack which saw him and eternal rival Mathieu van der Poel get away on the second Kemmelberg ascent, before following the Dutchman on the third time and doing the lion&#8217;s share of work from the two-man move.<\/p>\n<p>They were ultimately caught in the final 2km, but it was a positive sign for Van Aert with the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix looming large in the next week and a half. Having changed his calendar back to include San Remo and Strade Bianche after moving his altitude camp to earlier in the season, the refresh seems to be paying off\u2026 for now.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;For now, it looks good. He&#8217;s in very good shape. He&#8217;s very confident. And I think it was the right approach,&#8221; said Niermann on Tuesday.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s not about what we did the last few years not working, but it&#8217;s also about changing things a little bit every once in a while, because if you do exactly the same for year after year after year, then it also gets a bit worn out, a bit old.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;That was also part of the idea that he would not do E3 because he did that now for five years in a row, with the same approach between E3 and Flanders and Roubaix, and we just wanted to change a few things. There&#8217;s no guarantee for success, but it keeps you fresh.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Whether or not the change has fully worked to reach new heights will be revealed fully on April 5 and April 12, but righting the wrongs at Dwars door Vlaanderen from last year could set him on the perfect path to finally taking out one of the Monuments he so desperately desires, and his first since San Remo in 2020.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7c969351-383b-43d3-8c06-042895e086c0\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-EckrHUxydq3T6bqPxNCaXB\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-EckrHUxydq3T6bqPxNCaXB 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\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.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\">James Moultrie<\/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\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/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\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I want to put up a fight&#8217;  &#8211; Wout van Aert in upbeat mood for In Flanders Fields<\/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=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><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=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><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\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert foiled by &#8216;defensive&#8217; ride from Van der Poel in promising In Flanders Fields attack<\/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\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I understand I win less than I used to but that doesn&#8217;t mean the winner in me has disappeared&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert gaining momentum for the Classics<\/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\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/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 Racing<\/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\/tBMVTpHoTRW4RpAjmCmojZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBMVTpHoTRW4RpAjmCmojZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBMVTpHoTRW4RpAjmCmojZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBMVTpHoTRW4RpAjmCmojZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBMVTpHoTRW4RpAjmCmojZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Gravel Earth Series 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 class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/keuExybEEZWPSH5SLzW2LX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/keuExybEEZWPSH5SLzW2LX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/keuExybEEZWPSH5SLzW2LX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/keuExybEEZWPSH5SLzW2LX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/keuExybEEZWPSH5SLzW2LX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;She&#8217;ll be one of our big cards to play&#8217; \u2013 Marlen Reusser primed to hit the ground running for Movistar at Dwars door Vlaanderen after long injury sideline<\/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\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">More than a Tour of Flanders warm-up \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/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\/eig4dUoh47GZESqrzGagsU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eig4dUoh47GZESqrzGagsU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eig4dUoh47GZESqrzGagsU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eig4dUoh47GZESqrzGagsU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eig4dUoh47GZESqrzGagsU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Paris-Camembert: Frenchman Pierre Gautherat escapes breakaway partners in final kilometre to win home race<\/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\/dg5tGScNagTNBvNVTePeGU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dg5tGScNagTNBvNVTePeGU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dg5tGScNagTNBvNVTePeGU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dg5tGScNagTNBvNVTePeGU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dg5tGScNagTNBvNVTePeGU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I misjudged this situation for a moment&#8217; \u2013 Fan apologises for close encounter of the nasal kind with Wout Van Aert at In Flanders Fields<\/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\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A clinical Jonas Vingegaard and a long list of riders MIA \u2013 Philippa York analyses the Volta a Catalunya<\/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\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;They told us they were going to kill us&#8217; &#8211; Aggressive driver arrested for endangering US criterium champion after video of road rage incident went viral<\/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\/keuExybEEZWPSH5SLzW2LX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/keuExybEEZWPSH5SLzW2LX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/keuExybEEZWPSH5SLzW2LX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/keuExybEEZWPSH5SLzW2LX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/keuExybEEZWPSH5SLzW2LX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;She&#8217;ll be one of our big cards to play&#8217; \u2013 Marlen Reusser primed to hit the ground running for Movistar at Dwars door Vlaanderen after long injury sideline<\/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\/9iRjhDpyxsHBF8oDq5aghf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9iRjhDpyxsHBF8oDq5aghf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9iRjhDpyxsHBF8oDq5aghf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9iRjhDpyxsHBF8oDq5aghf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9iRjhDpyxsHBF8oDq5aghf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s cycling (races)<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Wiebes is an absolute animal&#8217; \u2013 Cat Ferguson says riders need to believe SD Worx-Protime star is beatable, or &#8216;it&#8217;s never going to happen&#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\/dg5tGScNagTNBvNVTePeGU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dg5tGScNagTNBvNVTePeGU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dg5tGScNagTNBvNVTePeGU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dg5tGScNagTNBvNVTePeGU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dg5tGScNagTNBvNVTePeGU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I misjudged this situation for a moment&#8217; \u2013 Fan apologises for close encounter of the nasal kind with Wout Van Aert at In Flanders Fields<\/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\/upAciNBEaLB5QXgnJ46ytR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/upAciNBEaLB5QXgnJ46ytR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/upAciNBEaLB5QXgnJ46ytR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/upAciNBEaLB5QXgnJ46ytR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/upAciNBEaLB5QXgnJ46ytR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Feel like Mike Tyson punched me in the back&#8217; \u2013 Ben Turner dusts himself off after bizarre somersault crash at In Flanders Fields<\/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\/fbhKqCBHZEF9DZz5i55KoT-840-80.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fbhKqCBHZEF9DZz5i55KoT-650-80.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fbhKqCBHZEF9DZz5i55KoT-500-80.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fbhKqCBHZEF9DZz5i55KoT-450-80.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fbhKqCBHZEF9DZz5i55KoT-320-80.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Strong athletic potential and a high VO2 max&#8217; \u2013 Decathlon CMA CGM sign skier and four-time Olympic medallist \u00c9milien Jacquelin for NewGen Devo team project<\/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\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo.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\">&#8216;They told us they were going to kill us&#8217; &#8211; Aggressive driver arrested for endangering US criterium champion after video of road rage incident went viral<\/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;We&#8217;ll certainly not make that same mistake again&#8217; \u2013 Can Wout van Aert and Visma take revenge at Dwars door Vlaanderen a year on from three-against-one tactical blunder?<\/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\">&#8216;She&#8217;ll be one of our big cards to play&#8217; \u2013 Marlen Reusser primed to hit the ground running for Movistar at Dwars door Vlaanderen after long injury sideline<\/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\">More than a Tour of Flanders warm-up \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/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;Wiebes is an absolute animal&#8217; \u2013 Cat Ferguson says riders need to believe SD Worx-Protime star is beatable, or &#8216;it&#8217;s never going to happen&#8217;<\/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>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nDwars door Vlaanderen\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;We&#8217;ll certainly not make that same mistake again&#8217; \u2013 Can Wout van Aert and Visma take revenge at Dwars door Vlaanderen a year on from three-against-one tactical blunder?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-31T16:19:47Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n31 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Head of racing Grischa Niermann discusses tactics on the eve of Wednesday&#8217;s race, says leader is &#8216;in very good shape and confident&#8217;<\/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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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=\"elk-e36dcdf7-4e84-48b3-9b21-ed9192c5284e\">Almost 12 months ago to the day, Wout van Aert was left sitting against an anonymous patch of grass against a barrier in Waregem, with all but certain victory in Dwars door Vlaanderen for Visma-Lease a Bike thrown away, and a Visma three-against-one finish with Neilson Powless lost.<\/p>\n<p>Visma-Lease a Bike put on an exhibition to get three riders up the road in the last 71km. With the EF Education-EasyPost rider following, Van Aert told Tiesj Benoot and Matteo Jorgenson not to attack, but to instead wait to lead him out in the sprint.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e36dcdf7-4e84-48b3-9b21-ed9192c5284e-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">When it came to the finish, and with everyone expecting him to dominate Powless, Van Aert cramped and was left to think of just what a mistake he had made in wanting victory for himself too much, as Powless celebrated jubilantly just metres in front of him.<\/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\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-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 want to put up a fight&#8217;  &#8211; Wout van Aert in upbeat mood for In Flanders Fields<\/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 class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It&#8217;s quite simple, I wanted this victory really bad. It was me making the decision quite early on that I wanted to sprint,&#8221; said Van Aert as he relived the heartbreak. &#8220;I was just too selfish and afraid I would come into a situation where I would not be able to go for the first place, and that&#8217;s a big mistake.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Van Aert returns to the Dwars door Vlaanderen alongside a strong squad with Matthew Brennan and Christophe Laporte offering different finishing options. Visma certainly learned their lesson last year, and they won&#8217;t be looking to employ similar tactics if a situation like that arises again in Wednesday&#8217;s race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;We&#8217;re looking forward to racing. I think indeed, we have a very strong team there. Hopefully we can make the race, and we finish it off better than last year,&#8221; Visma&#8217;s head of racing Grischa Niermann told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> on the eve of the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;We even have, I would say, to play it safer if you get into a situation like that. We shouldn&#8217;t ever go to the sprint again, because if you arrive solo, you know you&#8217;ve won.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-EckrHUxydq3T6bqPxNCaXB\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-EckrHUxydq3T6bqPxNCaXB 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;We made a big mistake last year, and we took it with us, and we&#8217;ll certainly not make that same mistake again. But, of course, it could still be that the race ends in the sprint tomorrow, and then we&#8217;ll go for it, but if we have the opportunity, then it&#8217;s better when somebody goes solo.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">With the nature of the packed calendar, Niermann did not dwell on last year&#8217;s blunder. Being the leader he is in the team, Van Aert was the first to say when he&#8217;s made a mistake.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I think for you journalists, that it&#8217;s a big thing, because we are going to do the Dwars door Vlaanderen again. But for us, it&#8217;s been a year, we had some learnings from there; It didn&#8217;t go well, and we went on from that, but it&#8217;s not something that I need to highlight now today,&#8221; said Niermann.<\/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\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-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;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert foiled by &#8216;defensive&#8217; ride from Van der Poel in promising In Flanders Fields attack<\/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\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-150-80.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 understand I win less than I used to but that doesn&#8217;t mean the winner in me has disappeared&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert gaining momentum for the Classics<\/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\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-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\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I think we are always racing as a team collective. Wout is a really good leader and a really good team player, and he knows he made a mistake there. We will approach it differently if that same scenario happens again.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;For us, it&#8217;s not about Dwars door Vlaanderen, it&#8217;s about these scenarios in races, because they can also happen anywhere; in the Amstel Gold Race, for example.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-9d6dfb5f-dd95-4f2b-8d4e-c83071aa54e8\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5rbffLbvVTNB3pwFS4Zj6j-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5rbffLbvVTNB3pwFS4Zj6j-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5rbffLbvVTNB3pwFS4Zj6j-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5rbffLbvVTNB3pwFS4Zj6j-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5rbffLbvVTNB3pwFS4Zj6j-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5rbffLbvVTNB3pwFS4Zj6j-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Van Aert just behind Van der Poel at In Flanders Fields last Sunday <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-38ccdcfe-3b11-4422-9f81-7104298bf42e\">Van Aert has impressed so far this spring Classics despite having a delayed start due to a fractured ankle suffered racing cyclo-cross in January.<\/p>\n<p>He recovered from the pre-Cipressa crash that also affected Tadej Poga\u010dar at Milan-San Remo. After having to wait for a slow bike change, he miraculously fought his way through the groups before attacking solo to finish third behind the World Champion and Tom Pidcock.<\/p>\n<p>He then got his cobbled campaign underway at In Flanders Fields (Gent-Wevelgem), launching the key attack which saw him and eternal rival Mathieu van der Poel get away on the second Kemmelberg ascent, before following the Dutchman on the third time and doing the lion&#8217;s share of work from the two-man move.<\/p>\n<p>They were ultimately caught in the final 2km, but it was a positive sign for Van Aert with the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix looming large in the next week and a half. Having changed his calendar back to include San Remo and Strade Bianche after moving his altitude camp to earlier in the season, the refresh seems to be paying off\u2026 for now.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;For now, it looks good. He&#8217;s in very good shape. He&#8217;s very confident. And I think it was the right approach,&#8221; said Niermann on Tuesday.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s not about what we did the last few years not working, but it&#8217;s also about changing things a little bit every once in a while, because if you do exactly the same for year after year after year, then it also gets a bit worn out, a bit old.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;That was also part of the idea that he would not do E3 because he did that now for five years in a row, with the same approach between E3 and Flanders and Roubaix, and we just wanted to change a few things. There&#8217;s no guarantee for success, but it keeps you fresh.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Whether or not the change has fully worked to reach new heights will be revealed fully on April 5 and April 12, but righting the wrongs at Dwars door Vlaanderen from last year could set him on the perfect path to finally taking out one of the Monuments he so desperately desires, and his first since San Remo in 2020.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7c969351-383b-43d3-8c06-042895e086c0\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-EckrHUxydq3T6bqPxNCaXB\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-EckrHUxydq3T6bqPxNCaXB 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\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.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\">James Moultrie<\/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\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/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\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I want to put up a fight&#8217;  &#8211; Wout van Aert in upbeat mood for In Flanders Fields<\/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=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><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=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><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\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert foiled by &#8216;defensive&#8217; ride from Van der Poel in promising In Flanders Fields attack<\/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\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I understand I win less than I used to but that doesn&#8217;t mean the winner in me has disappeared&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert gaining momentum for the Classics<\/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\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/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 Racing<\/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\/tBMVTpHoTRW4RpAjmCmojZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBMVTpHoTRW4RpAjmCmojZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBMVTpHoTRW4RpAjmCmojZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBMVTpHoTRW4RpAjmCmojZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBMVTpHoTRW4RpAjmCmojZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Gravel Earth Series 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 class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/keuExybEEZWPSH5SLzW2LX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/keuExybEEZWPSH5SLzW2LX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/keuExybEEZWPSH5SLzW2LX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/keuExybEEZWPSH5SLzW2LX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/keuExybEEZWPSH5SLzW2LX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;She&#8217;ll be one of our big cards to play&#8217; \u2013 Marlen Reusser primed to hit the ground running for Movistar at Dwars door Vlaanderen after long injury sideline<\/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\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">More than a Tour of Flanders warm-up \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/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\/eig4dUoh47GZESqrzGagsU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eig4dUoh47GZESqrzGagsU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eig4dUoh47GZESqrzGagsU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eig4dUoh47GZESqrzGagsU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eig4dUoh47GZESqrzGagsU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Paris-Camembert: Frenchman Pierre Gautherat escapes breakaway partners in final kilometre to win home race<\/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\/dg5tGScNagTNBvNVTePeGU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dg5tGScNagTNBvNVTePeGU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dg5tGScNagTNBvNVTePeGU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dg5tGScNagTNBvNVTePeGU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dg5tGScNagTNBvNVTePeGU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I misjudged this situation for a moment&#8217; \u2013 Fan apologises for close encounter of the nasal kind with Wout Van Aert at In Flanders Fields<\/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\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcETCoJsDCpoif83S8uocA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A clinical Jonas Vingegaard and a long list of riders MIA \u2013 Philippa York analyses the Volta a Catalunya<\/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\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;They told us they were going to kill us&#8217; &#8211; Aggressive driver arrested for endangering US criterium champion after video of road rage incident went viral<\/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\/keuExybEEZWPSH5SLzW2LX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/keuExybEEZWPSH5SLzW2LX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/keuExybEEZWPSH5SLzW2LX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/keuExybEEZWPSH5SLzW2LX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/keuExybEEZWPSH5SLzW2LX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;She&#8217;ll be one of our big cards to play&#8217; \u2013 Marlen Reusser primed to hit the ground running for Movistar at Dwars door Vlaanderen after long injury sideline<\/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\/9iRjhDpyxsHBF8oDq5aghf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9iRjhDpyxsHBF8oDq5aghf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9iRjhDpyxsHBF8oDq5aghf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9iRjhDpyxsHBF8oDq5aghf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9iRjhDpyxsHBF8oDq5aghf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s cycling (races)<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Wiebes is an absolute animal&#8217; \u2013 Cat Ferguson says riders need to believe SD Worx-Protime star is beatable, or &#8216;it&#8217;s never going to happen&#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\/dg5tGScNagTNBvNVTePeGU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dg5tGScNagTNBvNVTePeGU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dg5tGScNagTNBvNVTePeGU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dg5tGScNagTNBvNVTePeGU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dg5tGScNagTNBvNVTePeGU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I misjudged this situation for a moment&#8217; \u2013 Fan apologises for close encounter of the nasal kind with Wout Van Aert at In Flanders Fields<\/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\/upAciNBEaLB5QXgnJ46ytR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/upAciNBEaLB5QXgnJ46ytR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/upAciNBEaLB5QXgnJ46ytR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/upAciNBEaLB5QXgnJ46ytR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/upAciNBEaLB5QXgnJ46ytR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Feel like Mike Tyson punched me in the back&#8217; \u2013 Ben Turner dusts himself off after bizarre somersault crash at In Flanders Fields<\/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\/fbhKqCBHZEF9DZz5i55KoT-840-80.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fbhKqCBHZEF9DZz5i55KoT-650-80.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fbhKqCBHZEF9DZz5i55KoT-500-80.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fbhKqCBHZEF9DZz5i55KoT-450-80.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fbhKqCBHZEF9DZz5i55KoT-320-80.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Strong athletic potential and a high VO2 max&#8217; \u2013 Decathlon CMA CGM sign skier and four-time Olympic medallist \u00c9milien Jacquelin for NewGen Devo team project<\/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\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GMa4ASYgRv25ymMnYxb5Wo.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\">&#8216;They told us they were going to kill us&#8217; &#8211; Aggressive driver arrested for endangering US criterium champion after video of road rage incident went viral<\/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;We&#8217;ll certainly not make that same mistake again&#8217; \u2013 Can Wout van Aert and Visma take revenge at Dwars door Vlaanderen a year on from three-against-one tactical blunder?<\/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\">&#8216;She&#8217;ll be one of our big cards to play&#8217; \u2013 Marlen Reusser primed to hit the ground running for Movistar at Dwars door Vlaanderen after long injury sideline<\/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\">More than a Tour of Flanders warm-up \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/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;Wiebes is an absolute animal&#8217; \u2013 Cat Ferguson says riders need to believe SD Worx-Protime star is beatable, or &#8216;it&#8217;s never going to happen&#8217;<\/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>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nDwars door Vlaanderen\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;We&#8217;ll certainly not make that same mistake again&#8217; \u2013 Can Wout van Aert and Visma take revenge at Dwars door Vlaanderen a year on from three-against-one tactical blunder?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-31T16:19:47Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n31 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Head of racing Grischa Niermann discusses tactics on the eve of Wednesday&#8217;s race, says leader is &#8216;in very good shape and confident&#8217;<\/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=\"font-ui-heading 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=\"elk-e36dcdf7-4e84-48b3-9b21-ed9192c5284e\">Almost 12 months ago to the day, Wout van Aert was left sitting against an anonymous patch of grass against a barrier in Waregem, with all but certain victory in Dwars door Vlaanderen for Visma-Lease a Bike thrown away, and a Visma three-against-one finish with Neilson Powless lost.<\/p>\n<p>Visma-Lease a Bike put on an exhibition to get three riders up the road in the last 71km. With the EF Education-EasyPost rider following, Van Aert told Tiesj Benoot and Matteo Jorgenson not to attack, but to instead wait to lead him out in the sprint.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e36dcdf7-4e84-48b3-9b21-ed9192c5284e-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">When it came to the finish, and with everyone expecting him to dominate Powless, Van Aert cramped and was left to think of just what a mistake he had made in wanting victory for himself too much, as Powless celebrated jubilantly just metres in front of him.<\/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\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jERYENCJy3sLQDAJNhVTPM-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 want to put up a fight&#8217;  &#8211; Wout van Aert in upbeat mood for In Flanders Fields<\/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 class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It&#8217;s quite simple, I wanted this victory really bad. It was me making the decision quite early on that I wanted to sprint,&#8221; said Van Aert as he relived the heartbreak. &#8220;I was just too selfish and afraid I would come into a situation where I would not be able to go for the first place, and that&#8217;s a big mistake.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Van Aert returns to the Dwars door Vlaanderen alongside a strong squad with Matthew Brennan and Christophe Laporte offering different finishing options. Visma certainly learned their lesson last year, and they won&#8217;t be looking to employ similar tactics if a situation like that arises again in Wednesday&#8217;s race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;We&#8217;re looking forward to racing. I think indeed, we have a very strong team there. Hopefully we can make the race, and we finish it off better than last year,&#8221; Visma&#8217;s head of racing Grischa Niermann told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> on the eve of the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;We even have, I would say, to play it safer if you get into a situation like that. We shouldn&#8217;t ever go to the sprint again, because if you arrive solo, you know you&#8217;ve won.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-EckrHUxydq3T6bqPxNCaXB\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-EckrHUxydq3T6bqPxNCaXB 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;We made a big mistake last year, and we took it with us, and we&#8217;ll certainly not make that same mistake again. But, of course, it could still be that the race ends in the sprint tomorrow, and then we&#8217;ll go for it, but if we have the opportunity, then it&#8217;s better when somebody goes solo.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">With the nature of the packed calendar, Niermann did not dwell on last year&#8217;s blunder. Being the leader he is in the team, Van Aert was the first to say when he&#8217;s made a mistake.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I think for you journalists, that it&#8217;s a big thing, because we are going to do the Dwars door Vlaanderen again. But for us, it&#8217;s been a year, we had some learnings from there; It didn&#8217;t go well, and we went on from that, but it&#8217;s not something that I need to highlight now today,&#8221; said Niermann.<\/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\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SkNFyskkTPC8G6jb7nWK9V-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;It was clear that Mathieu was not pulling full gas&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert foiled by &#8216;defensive&#8217; ride from Van der Poel in promising In Flanders Fields attack<\/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\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/axSyFCPgVigaqbMzLVybS5-150-80.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 understand I win less than I used to but that doesn&#8217;t mean the winner in me has disappeared&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert gaining momentum for the Classics<\/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\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isP3PbU6FdHrUojBNey3wF-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\">Why Poga\u010dar and Van Aert&#8217;s teams aren&#8217;t sensing weakness for the Tour of Flanders despite Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s near-miss at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I think we are always racing as a team collective. Wout is a really good leader and a really good team player, and he knows he made a mistake there. We will approach it differently if that same scenario happens again.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;For us, it&#8217;s not about Dwars door Vlaanderen, it&#8217;s about these scenarios in races, because they can also happen anywhere; in the Amstel Gold Race, for example.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-9d6dfb5f-dd95-4f2b-8d4e-c83071aa54e8\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5rbffLbvVTNB3pwFS4Zj6j-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5rbffLbvVTNB3pwFS4Zj6j-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5rbffLbvVTNB3pwFS4Zj6j-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5rbffLbvVTNB3pwFS4Zj6j-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5rbffLbvVTNB3pwFS4Zj6j-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5rbffLbvVTNB3pwFS4Zj6j-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Van Aert just behind Van der Poel at In Flanders Fields last Sunday <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-38ccdcfe-3b11-4422-9f81-7104298bf42e\">Van Aert has impressed so far this spring Classics despite having a delayed start due to a fractured ankle suffered racing cyclo-cross in January.<\/p>\n<p>He recovered from the pre-Cipressa crash that also affected Tadej Poga\u010dar at Milan-San Remo. After having to wait for a slow bike change, he miraculously fought his way through the groups before attacking solo to finish third behind the World Champion and Tom Pidcock.<\/p>\n<p>He then got his cobbled campaign underway at In Flanders Fields (Gent-Wevelgem), launching the key attack which saw him and eternal rival Mathieu van der Poel get away on the second Kemmelberg ascent, before following the Dutchman on the third time and doing the lion&#8217;s share of work from the two-man move.<\/p>\n<p>They were ultimately caught in the final 2km, but it was a positive sign for Van Aert with the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix looming large in the next week and a half. Having changed his calendar back to include San Remo and Strade Bianche after moving his altitude camp to earlier in the season, the refresh seems to be paying off\u2026 for now.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;For now, it looks good. He&#8217;s in very good shape. He&#8217;s very confident. And I think it was the right approach,&#8221; said Niermann on Tuesday.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s not about what we did the last few years not working, but it&#8217;s also about changing things a little bit every once in a while, because if you do exactly the same for year after year after year, then it also gets a bit worn out, a bit old.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;That was also part of the idea that he would not do E3 because he did that now for five years in a row, with the same approach between E3 and Flanders and Roubaix, and we just wanted to change a few things. There&#8217;s no guarantee for success, but it keeps you fresh.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Whether or not the change has fully worked to reach new heights will be revealed fully on April 5 and April 12, but righting the wrongs at Dwars door Vlaanderen from last year could set him on the perfect path to finally taking out one of the Monuments he so desperately desires, and his first since San Remo in 2020.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7c969351-383b-43d3-8c06-042895e086c0\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/well-certainly-not-make-that-same-mistake-again-can-wout-van-aert-and-visma-take-revenge-at-dwars-door-vlaanderen-a-year-on-from-three-against-one-tactical-blunder\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SKkMGBtSCAA23AaBz9KDyX-2560-80.png&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Road Dwars door Vlaanderen &#8216;We&#8217;ll certainly not make that same mistake again&#8217; \u2013 Can Wout van Aert and Visma take revenge at Dwars door Vlaanderen a year on from three-against-one tactical blunder? News By James Moultrie published 31 March 2026 Head of racing Grischa Niermann discusses tactics on the [&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-1858461","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\/1858461","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=1858461"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1858461\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1858461"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1858461"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1858461"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}