{"id":2093272,"date":"2026-08-14T12:40:25","date_gmt":"2026-08-14T09:40:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2093272"},"modified":"2026-08-14T12:40:25","modified_gmt":"2026-08-14T09:40:25","slug":"from-road-to-gravel-then-back-to-road-why-is-wout-van-aert-racing-the-belgian-gravel-championships-for-the-first-time-ever-this-sunday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2093272","title":{"rendered":"From road to gravel then back to road: why is Wout van Aert racing the Belgian Gravel Championships for the first time ever this Sunday?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/diuRNAzua2qpYv8MF4xsEQ-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/diuRNAzua2qpYv8MF4xsEQ-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Where are all the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a sprinters? They&#8217;re heading to Belgium instead\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Wout van Aert and Tim Merlier join defending champions Marthe Truyen and Niels Vandeputte among starters for Belgian Gravel Championships\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HMQmaaLVUnGA5aDz7g4yc6-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HMQmaaLVUnGA5aDz7g4yc6-80-80.png.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;Back to work&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar returns to training mode after plain-clothes gravel rides and Tour de France recovery\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>From road to gravel then back to road: why is Wout van Aert racing the Belgian Gravel Championships for the first time ever this Sunday?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-14T12:40:25Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n14 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian superstar using gravel race as final build-up for Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" 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-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&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\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">2020 Strade Bianche: Wout van Aert en route to victory<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(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 shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\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-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\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-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\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-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\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-463fc582-97d9-11f1-b09f-4d33500b9ae0\">Using a gravel race as the final event for a Grand Tour build-up is unusual, to say the least &#8211; but that&#8217;s exactly what Wout van Aert will be doing this Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>Soon to take part in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a for three weeks &#8211; an event he has ridden once, back in 2024, where spectacular initial success was poleaxed by a terrible crash and injuries &#8211; for three hours this Sunday Van Aert will be heading off-road for his debut in the Belgian Gravel Championships.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-463fc582-97d9-11f1-b09f-4d33500b9ae0-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For those looking for a reason why he&#8217;d do that so close to a Grand Tour, it turns out there are four: firstly the Gravel Championships used to held in May, but is now in August, a period when there&#8217;s less racing, secondly this particular event is very close to his home town of Herentaals, and thirdly &#8211; unlike other years when he would have raced &#8211; he&#8217;s not riding anywhere on the road this weekend.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The fourth is maybe the most important: Van Aert likes off-road racing. If his past in cyclo-cross didn&#8217;t make that clear enough, not to mention the occasional dabble in gravel racing and his longstanding series of participations in Strade Bianche (and win on the same roads in the Giro d&#8217;Italia a year last May), his victory in Paris-Roubaix this spring is the latest reminder of that.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cIn August, the big advantage is that the top road riders are all available&#8221;, Belgian gravel Championships organisation member Erwen Vervecken told <em>Wielerflits<\/em>. &#8220;Quite a few riders are coming off the Tour or preparing for the autumn. In May, you had no chance with those guys. So this is ideal.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] 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-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Wout van Aert and Tim Merlier join defending champions Marthe Truyen and Niels Vandeputte among starters for Belgian Gravel Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/3ipwyngnQ46RRvWYRGrg2j-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3ipwyngnQ46RRvWYRGrg2j-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Wout van Aert ramps up comeback preparation with six-hour Stelvio gravel ride after missing Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;At my very best, I certainly have a chance&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert confident in World Championships road race bid after rediscovering top form before Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Then there&#8217;s the location, Grobbendonk, barely seven kilometres as the crow flies (or the gravel racer rides) from Van Aert&#8217;s village of Herentals, whilst one of Van Aert&#8217;s training partners, Daan Soete (Ridley Racing), who will be taking part on Sunday, actually comes from Grobbendonk. Nor does Van Aert have any road racing obligations this weekend, unlike in 2025 when he took part in the Hamburg one-day WorldTour race, now known as the ADAC Cyclassics. (For the record, he finished tenth.)<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As for the main reason, Vervecken confirmed to <em>Wielerflits,<\/em>  &#8220;It&#8217;s because he enjoys it. It fits into his training for the Vuelta, and he gets to ride competitively on the roads where he does a lot of gravel anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-ZjQ5XN59yEyRjtVfHcEcWE\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-ZjQ5XN59yEyRjtVfHcEcWE 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 aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cHe can arrive at the start of that race without stress. If he manages to secure the title in his home region, that\u2019s a nice bonus. If not, he won\u2019t lose any sleep over it either. Ultimately, the real goals for him come much later in the season.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As for the course itself, Belgian newspaper <em>Nieuwsblad<\/em>sent one of their reporters to ride the entire route, which centres on Grobbendonk &#8211; home until his death in 2022 to the Herman Vanspringel, aka <em>Monsieur Bordeaux-Paris<\/em>, the long-defunct marathon race he won seven times &#8211; and the neighbouring town of Bouwel, with bridges being built specially in the woods inbetween.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The toughest part of the course, according to <em>Nieuwsblad,<\/em> for the more than 1,300 participants on Sunday &#8211; including Van Aert, Tim Merlier (Soudal-QuickStep), Lotte Claes (Fenix-Premier Tech) and her teammate, elite women&#8217;s defending champion Marthe Truyen &#8211; will be a disused railway maintenance track, which has been cleared of weeds over the summer specially for the occasion.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;In their place, we see an endless stretch of nearly 700 meters of loose, flaky sand, where we have to put our feet down after just five turns of the pedals, simply to avoid falling.&#8221; <em>Nieuwsblad<\/em>&#8216;s article read, while residents reportedly claimed that this key section, 15 kilometres from the finish in Grobbendonk, would be where Van Aert would attack to win.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Should Van Aert fail, though, he&#8217;ll have another opportunity to take a gravel victory (of sorts) in the very near future. Stage 6 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a features the first-ever full gravel section of the race, a 3.5-kilometre sector close to the summit of the Cat. 1 Puerto del Bartolo. Quite apart from its own appeal, Sunday&#8217;s Belgian Gravel Championships, then, will provide a good chance to practice for that, too.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-463fc6ea-97d9-11f1-a04a-cb5b52d7a6d2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<p>Visma-Lease a Bike<\/p>\n<p>Fenix-Premier Tech<\/p>\n<p>Wout van Aert<\/p>\n<p>Tim Merlier<\/p>\n<p>Lotte Claes<\/p>\n<p>Marthe Truyen<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-ZjQ5XN59yEyRjtVfHcEcWE\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-ZjQ5XN59yEyRjtVfHcEcWE 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\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.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\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/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>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&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 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-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\">Wout van Aert and Tim Merlier join defending champions Marthe Truyen and Niels Vandeputte among starters for Belgian Gravel Championships<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3ipwyngnQ46RRvWYRGrg2j-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3ipwyngnQ46RRvWYRGrg2j-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3ipwyngnQ46RRvWYRGrg2j-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3ipwyngnQ46RRvWYRGrg2j-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3ipwyngnQ46RRvWYRGrg2j-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\">Wout van Aert ramps up comeback preparation with six-hour Stelvio gravel ride after missing Tour de France<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-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;At my very best, I certainly have a chance&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert confident in World Championships road race bid after rediscovering top form before Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8aiivvC4Xm48NjhbxbDvvH-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8aiivvC4Xm48NjhbxbDvvH-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8aiivvC4Xm48NjhbxbDvvH-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8aiivvC4Xm48NjhbxbDvvH-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8aiivvC4Xm48NjhbxbDvvH-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\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">How to watch gravel races around the world &#8211; A guide to livestreams and free broadcasts this summer for Leadville Trail 100, Belgian Championships, Lauf Gravel Worlds and more<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PipnKnfMaAiq2FcLFPY75J-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PipnKnfMaAiq2FcLFPY75J-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PipnKnfMaAiq2FcLFPY75J-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PipnKnfMaAiq2FcLFPY75J-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PipnKnfMaAiq2FcLFPY75J-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;If I wanted to chase results, I would have stayed on the road&#8217; \u2013 Romain Bardet debuts at Unbound Gravel 200 and finds surge in off-road popularity &#8216;a bit strange&#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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz4JkzFTwRkRJKxz5fjwTM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz4JkzFTwRkRJKxz5fjwTM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz4JkzFTwRkRJKxz5fjwTM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz4JkzFTwRkRJKxz5fjwTM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz4JkzFTwRkRJKxz5fjwTM-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\">Nicole Frain wins seventh race of season at Heathland Gravel, while fellow Australian sets FKT on Icelandic Divide &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9NJnkFrswLMWWQGerbrceb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9NJnkFrswLMWWQGerbrceb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9NJnkFrswLMWWQGerbrceb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9NJnkFrswLMWWQGerbrceb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9NJnkFrswLMWWQGerbrceb-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 am not sure what will happen in a race&#8217; \u2013 Former biathlon champion Emilien Jacquelin set to make his pro cycling debut<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dgW9YcJG8C9XMsYveNfKnK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dgW9YcJG8C9XMsYveNfKnK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dgW9YcJG8C9XMsYveNfKnK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dgW9YcJG8C9XMsYveNfKnK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dgW9YcJG8C9XMsYveNfKnK-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;Incredibly frustrating and disappointing&#8217; \u2013 Three UAE Team Emirates-XRG riders eliminated from Volta a Portugal as riders unaware of time limit change<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K3DAJ6EKvQ44CL2uxmQSi9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K3DAJ6EKvQ44CL2uxmQSi9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K3DAJ6EKvQ44CL2uxmQSi9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K3DAJ6EKvQ44CL2uxmQSi9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K3DAJ6EKvQ44CL2uxmQSi9-320-80.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;I really enjoy it when a race becomes difficult&#8217; \u2013 Femke Markus strengthens Visma-Lease a Bike Classics squad with switch from SD Worx-Protime<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-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;I don&#8217;t think the gap is that wide&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini already thinking about battling Vollering and Niewiadoma-Phinney at 2027 Tour de France Femmes<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WjeoZtNrykoWtSvLRav7Wf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WjeoZtNrykoWtSvLRav7Wf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WjeoZtNrykoWtSvLRav7Wf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WjeoZtNrykoWtSvLRav7Wf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WjeoZtNrykoWtSvLRav7Wf-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;A declaration of a shared future, ambition\u00a0and trust&#8217; \u2013 Re-emerging German talent Marco Brenner signs one of the longest contracts in cycling<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHDUmMFyWKjajpeGvb2Q3L-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHDUmMFyWKjajpeGvb2Q3L-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHDUmMFyWKjajpeGvb2Q3L-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHDUmMFyWKjajpeGvb2Q3L-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHDUmMFyWKjajpeGvb2Q3L-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;He created what you might call a philosophy&#8217; \u2013 Giancarlo Ferretti, the &#8216;Iron Sergeant&#8217; with a human touch \u2013 Obituary<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9NJnkFrswLMWWQGerbrceb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9NJnkFrswLMWWQGerbrceb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9NJnkFrswLMWWQGerbrceb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9NJnkFrswLMWWQGerbrceb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9NJnkFrswLMWWQGerbrceb-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 am not sure what will happen in a race&#8217; \u2013 Former biathlon champion Emilien Jacquelin set to make his pro cycling debut<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9whpuNyu4xH5ctmbxoLRD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9whpuNyu4xH5ctmbxoLRD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9whpuNyu4xH5ctmbxoLRD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9whpuNyu4xH5ctmbxoLRD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9whpuNyu4xH5ctmbxoLRD-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\">Vuelta a Colombia cancelled mid-race to help prioritise earthquake victim relief<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XipbbNg4vS7f35eVBKyQQK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XipbbNg4vS7f35eVBKyQQK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XipbbNg4vS7f35eVBKyQQK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XipbbNg4vS7f35eVBKyQQK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XipbbNg4vS7f35eVBKyQQK-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;The worst best decision I&#8217;ve ever made&#8217; \u2013 Chlo\u00e9 Dygert issues recovery update following double surgery<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HugKUeN5YEuJpC3Be2ZtWS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HugKUeN5YEuJpC3Be2ZtWS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HugKUeN5YEuJpC3Be2ZtWS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HugKUeN5YEuJpC3Be2ZtWS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HugKUeN5YEuJpC3Be2ZtWS-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\">Juan Ayuso focuses on Canadian Classics, World Championships and Monument debut at Il Lombardia for second half of season<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6kaKYska32a4MojE9XapD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6kaKYska32a4MojE9XapD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6kaKYska32a4MojE9XapD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6kaKYska32a4MojE9XapD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6kaKYska32a4MojE9XapD-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\">Tour de France Femmes stage winners Lorena Wiebes and Kim Le Court-Pienaar headline star-studded start list for Tour of Britain Women<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dgW9YcJG8C9XMsYveNfKnK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dgW9YcJG8C9XMsYveNfKnK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dgW9YcJG8C9XMsYveNfKnK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dgW9YcJG8C9XMsYveNfKnK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dgW9YcJG8C9XMsYveNfKnK-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;Incredibly frustrating and disappointing&#8217; \u2013 Three UAE Team Emirates-XRG riders eliminated from Volta a Portugal as riders unaware of time limit change<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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 class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/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>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/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\">\n<p>From road to gravel then back to road: why is Wout van Aert racing the Belgian Gravel Championships for the first time ever this Sunday?<\/p>\n<\/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\">\n<p>&#8216;I am not sure what will happen in a race&#8217; 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\u2013 Chlo\u00e9 Dygert issues recovery update following double surgery<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>From road to gravel then back to road: why is Wout van Aert racing the Belgian Gravel Championships for the first time ever this Sunday?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-14T12:40:25Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n14 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian superstar using gravel race as final build-up for Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" 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-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&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\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">2020 Strade Bianche: Wout van Aert en route to victory<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(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 shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\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-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\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-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\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-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\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-463fc582-97d9-11f1-b09f-4d33500b9ae0\">Using a gravel race as the final event for a Grand Tour build-up is unusual, to say the least &#8211; but that&#8217;s exactly what Wout van Aert will be doing this Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>Soon to take part in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a for three weeks &#8211; an event he has ridden once, back in 2024, where spectacular initial success was poleaxed by a terrible crash and injuries &#8211; for three hours this Sunday Van Aert will be heading off-road for his debut in the Belgian Gravel Championships.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-463fc582-97d9-11f1-b09f-4d33500b9ae0-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For those looking for a reason why he&#8217;d do that so close to a Grand Tour, it turns out there are four: firstly the Gravel Championships used to held in May, but is now in August, a period when there&#8217;s less racing, secondly this particular event is very close to his home town of Herentaals, and thirdly &#8211; unlike other years when he would have raced &#8211; he&#8217;s not riding anywhere on the road this weekend.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The fourth is maybe the most important: Van Aert likes off-road racing. If his past in cyclo-cross didn&#8217;t make that clear enough, not to mention the occasional dabble in gravel racing and his longstanding series of participations in Strade Bianche (and win on the same roads in the Giro d&#8217;Italia a year last May), his victory in Paris-Roubaix this spring is the latest reminder of that.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cIn August, the big advantage is that the top road riders are all available&#8221;, Belgian gravel Championships organisation member Erwen Vervecken told <em>Wielerflits<\/em>. &#8220;Quite a few riders are coming off the Tour or preparing for the autumn. In May, you had no chance with those guys. So this is ideal.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] 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-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Wout van Aert and Tim Merlier join defending champions Marthe Truyen and Niels Vandeputte among starters for Belgian Gravel Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/3ipwyngnQ46RRvWYRGrg2j-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3ipwyngnQ46RRvWYRGrg2j-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Wout van Aert ramps up comeback preparation with six-hour Stelvio gravel ride after missing Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;At my very best, I certainly have a chance&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert confident in World Championships road race bid after rediscovering top form before Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Then there&#8217;s the location, Grobbendonk, barely seven kilometres as the crow flies (or the gravel racer rides) from Van Aert&#8217;s village of Herentals, whilst one of Van Aert&#8217;s training partners, Daan Soete (Ridley Racing), who will be taking part on Sunday, actually comes from Grobbendonk. Nor does Van Aert have any road racing obligations this weekend, unlike in 2025 when he took part in the Hamburg one-day WorldTour race, now known as the ADAC Cyclassics. (For the record, he finished tenth.)<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As for the main reason, Vervecken confirmed to <em>Wielerflits,<\/em>  &#8220;It&#8217;s because he enjoys it. It fits into his training for the Vuelta, and he gets to ride competitively on the roads where he does a lot of gravel anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-ZjQ5XN59yEyRjtVfHcEcWE\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-ZjQ5XN59yEyRjtVfHcEcWE 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 aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cHe can arrive at the start of that race without stress. If he manages to secure the title in his home region, that\u2019s a nice bonus. If not, he won\u2019t lose any sleep over it either. Ultimately, the real goals for him come much later in the season.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As for the course itself, Belgian newspaper <em>Nieuwsblad<\/em>sent one of their reporters to ride the entire route, which centres on Grobbendonk &#8211; home until his death in 2022 to the Herman Vanspringel, aka <em>Monsieur Bordeaux-Paris<\/em>, the long-defunct marathon race he won seven times &#8211; and the neighbouring town of Bouwel, with bridges being built specially in the woods inbetween.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The toughest part of the course, according to <em>Nieuwsblad,<\/em> for the more than 1,300 participants on Sunday &#8211; including Van Aert, Tim Merlier (Soudal-QuickStep), Lotte Claes (Fenix-Premier Tech) and her teammate, elite women&#8217;s defending champion Marthe Truyen &#8211; will be a disused railway maintenance track, which has been cleared of weeds over the summer specially for the occasion.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;In their place, we see an endless stretch of nearly 700 meters of loose, flaky sand, where we have to put our feet down after just five turns of the pedals, simply to avoid falling.&#8221; <em>Nieuwsblad<\/em>&#8216;s article read, while residents reportedly claimed that this key section, 15 kilometres from the finish in Grobbendonk, would be where Van Aert would attack to win.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Should Van Aert fail, though, he&#8217;ll have another opportunity to take a gravel victory (of sorts) in the very near future. Stage 6 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a features the first-ever full gravel section of the race, a 3.5-kilometre sector close to the summit of the Cat. 1 Puerto del Bartolo. Quite apart from its own appeal, Sunday&#8217;s Belgian Gravel Championships, then, will provide a good chance to practice for that, too.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-463fc6ea-97d9-11f1-a04a-cb5b52d7a6d2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<p>Visma-Lease a Bike<\/p>\n<p>Fenix-Premier Tech<\/p>\n<p>Wout van Aert<\/p>\n<p>Tim Merlier<\/p>\n<p>Lotte Claes<\/p>\n<p>Marthe Truyen<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-ZjQ5XN59yEyRjtVfHcEcWE\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-ZjQ5XN59yEyRjtVfHcEcWE 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\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.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\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/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>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&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 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-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\">Wout van Aert and Tim Merlier join defending champions Marthe Truyen and Niels Vandeputte among starters for Belgian Gravel Championships<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3ipwyngnQ46RRvWYRGrg2j-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3ipwyngnQ46RRvWYRGrg2j-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3ipwyngnQ46RRvWYRGrg2j-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3ipwyngnQ46RRvWYRGrg2j-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3ipwyngnQ46RRvWYRGrg2j-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\">Wout van Aert ramps up comeback preparation with six-hour Stelvio gravel ride after missing Tour de France<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-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;At my very best, I certainly have a chance&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert confident in World Championships road race bid after rediscovering top form before Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8aiivvC4Xm48NjhbxbDvvH-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8aiivvC4Xm48NjhbxbDvvH-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8aiivvC4Xm48NjhbxbDvvH-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8aiivvC4Xm48NjhbxbDvvH-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8aiivvC4Xm48NjhbxbDvvH-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\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">How to watch gravel races around the world &#8211; A guide to livestreams and free broadcasts this summer for Leadville Trail 100, Belgian Championships, Lauf Gravel Worlds and more<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PipnKnfMaAiq2FcLFPY75J-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PipnKnfMaAiq2FcLFPY75J-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PipnKnfMaAiq2FcLFPY75J-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PipnKnfMaAiq2FcLFPY75J-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PipnKnfMaAiq2FcLFPY75J-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;If I wanted to chase results, I would have stayed on the road&#8217; \u2013 Romain Bardet debuts at Unbound Gravel 200 and finds surge in off-road popularity &#8216;a bit strange&#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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz4JkzFTwRkRJKxz5fjwTM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz4JkzFTwRkRJKxz5fjwTM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz4JkzFTwRkRJKxz5fjwTM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz4JkzFTwRkRJKxz5fjwTM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz4JkzFTwRkRJKxz5fjwTM-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\">Nicole Frain wins seventh race of season at Heathland Gravel, while fellow Australian sets FKT on Icelandic Divide &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9NJnkFrswLMWWQGerbrceb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9NJnkFrswLMWWQGerbrceb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9NJnkFrswLMWWQGerbrceb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9NJnkFrswLMWWQGerbrceb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9NJnkFrswLMWWQGerbrceb-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 am not sure what will happen in a race&#8217; \u2013 Former biathlon champion Emilien Jacquelin set to make his pro cycling debut<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dgW9YcJG8C9XMsYveNfKnK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dgW9YcJG8C9XMsYveNfKnK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dgW9YcJG8C9XMsYveNfKnK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dgW9YcJG8C9XMsYveNfKnK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dgW9YcJG8C9XMsYveNfKnK-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;Incredibly frustrating and disappointing&#8217; \u2013 Three UAE Team Emirates-XRG riders eliminated from Volta a Portugal as riders unaware of time limit change<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K3DAJ6EKvQ44CL2uxmQSi9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K3DAJ6EKvQ44CL2uxmQSi9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K3DAJ6EKvQ44CL2uxmQSi9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K3DAJ6EKvQ44CL2uxmQSi9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K3DAJ6EKvQ44CL2uxmQSi9-320-80.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;I really enjoy it when a race becomes difficult&#8217; \u2013 Femke Markus strengthens Visma-Lease a Bike Classics squad with switch from SD Worx-Protime<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ftMV5A6itK5gn9kVKeYAxZ-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;I don&#8217;t think the gap is that wide&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini already thinking about battling Vollering and Niewiadoma-Phinney at 2027 Tour de France Femmes<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WjeoZtNrykoWtSvLRav7Wf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WjeoZtNrykoWtSvLRav7Wf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WjeoZtNrykoWtSvLRav7Wf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WjeoZtNrykoWtSvLRav7Wf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WjeoZtNrykoWtSvLRav7Wf-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;A declaration of a shared future, ambition\u00a0and trust&#8217; \u2013 Re-emerging German talent Marco Brenner signs one of the longest contracts in cycling<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHDUmMFyWKjajpeGvb2Q3L-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHDUmMFyWKjajpeGvb2Q3L-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHDUmMFyWKjajpeGvb2Q3L-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHDUmMFyWKjajpeGvb2Q3L-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHDUmMFyWKjajpeGvb2Q3L-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;He created what you might call a philosophy&#8217; \u2013 Giancarlo Ferretti, the &#8216;Iron Sergeant&#8217; with a human touch \u2013 Obituary<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9NJnkFrswLMWWQGerbrceb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9NJnkFrswLMWWQGerbrceb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9NJnkFrswLMWWQGerbrceb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9NJnkFrswLMWWQGerbrceb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9NJnkFrswLMWWQGerbrceb-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 am not sure what will happen in a race&#8217; \u2013 Former biathlon champion Emilien Jacquelin set to make his pro cycling debut<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9whpuNyu4xH5ctmbxoLRD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9whpuNyu4xH5ctmbxoLRD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9whpuNyu4xH5ctmbxoLRD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9whpuNyu4xH5ctmbxoLRD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e9whpuNyu4xH5ctmbxoLRD-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\">Vuelta a Colombia cancelled mid-race to help prioritise earthquake victim relief<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XipbbNg4vS7f35eVBKyQQK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XipbbNg4vS7f35eVBKyQQK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XipbbNg4vS7f35eVBKyQQK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XipbbNg4vS7f35eVBKyQQK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XipbbNg4vS7f35eVBKyQQK-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;The worst best decision I&#8217;ve ever made&#8217; \u2013 Chlo\u00e9 Dygert issues recovery update following double surgery<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HugKUeN5YEuJpC3Be2ZtWS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HugKUeN5YEuJpC3Be2ZtWS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HugKUeN5YEuJpC3Be2ZtWS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HugKUeN5YEuJpC3Be2ZtWS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HugKUeN5YEuJpC3Be2ZtWS-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\">Juan Ayuso focuses on Canadian Classics, World Championships and Monument debut at Il Lombardia for second half of season<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6kaKYska32a4MojE9XapD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6kaKYska32a4MojE9XapD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6kaKYska32a4MojE9XapD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6kaKYska32a4MojE9XapD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c6kaKYska32a4MojE9XapD-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\">Tour de France Femmes stage winners Lorena Wiebes and Kim Le Court-Pienaar headline star-studded start list for Tour of Britain Women<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dgW9YcJG8C9XMsYveNfKnK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dgW9YcJG8C9XMsYveNfKnK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dgW9YcJG8C9XMsYveNfKnK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dgW9YcJG8C9XMsYveNfKnK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dgW9YcJG8C9XMsYveNfKnK-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;Incredibly frustrating and disappointing&#8217; \u2013 Three UAE Team Emirates-XRG riders eliminated from Volta a Portugal as riders unaware of time limit change<\/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=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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 class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/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>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/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\">\n<p>From road to gravel then back to road: why is Wout van Aert racing the Belgian Gravel Championships for the first time ever this Sunday?<\/p>\n<\/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\">\n<p>&#8216;I am not sure what will happen in a race&#8217; 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\u2013 Chlo\u00e9 Dygert issues recovery update following double surgery<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>From road to gravel then back to road: why is Wout van Aert racing the Belgian Gravel Championships for the first time ever this Sunday?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-14T12:40:25Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n14 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian superstar using gravel race as final build-up for Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" 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-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&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 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 shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\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-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\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-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\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-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\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-463fc582-97d9-11f1-b09f-4d33500b9ae0\">Using a gravel race as the final event for a Grand Tour build-up is unusual, to say the least &#8211; but that&#8217;s exactly what Wout van Aert will be doing this Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>Soon to take part in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a for three weeks &#8211; an event he has ridden once, back in 2024, where spectacular initial success was poleaxed by a terrible crash and injuries &#8211; for three hours this Sunday Van Aert will be heading off-road for his debut in the Belgian Gravel Championships.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-463fc582-97d9-11f1-b09f-4d33500b9ae0-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For those looking for a reason why he&#8217;d do that so close to a Grand Tour, it turns out there are four: firstly the Gravel Championships used to held in May, but is now in August, a period when there&#8217;s less racing, secondly this particular event is very close to his home town of Herentaals, and thirdly &#8211; unlike other years when he would have raced &#8211; he&#8217;s not riding anywhere on the road this weekend.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The fourth is maybe the most important: Van Aert likes off-road racing. If his past in cyclo-cross didn&#8217;t make that clear enough, not to mention the occasional dabble in gravel racing and his longstanding series of participations in Strade Bianche (and win on the same roads in the Giro d&#8217;Italia a year last May), his victory in Paris-Roubaix this spring is the latest reminder of that.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cIn August, the big advantage is that the top road riders are all available&#8221;, Belgian gravel Championships organisation member Erwen Vervecken told <em>Wielerflits<\/em>. &#8220;Quite a few riders are coming off the Tour or preparing for the autumn. In May, you had no chance with those guys. So this is ideal.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] 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-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZnVcooPLj8bwgwh37mKZbC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Wout van Aert and Tim Merlier join defending champions Marthe Truyen and Niels Vandeputte among starters for Belgian Gravel Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/3ipwyngnQ46RRvWYRGrg2j-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3ipwyngnQ46RRvWYRGrg2j-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Wout van Aert ramps up comeback preparation with six-hour Stelvio gravel ride after missing Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZH9tPKdEpRDyEkVonao4Rf-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;At my very best, I certainly have a chance&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert confident in World Championships road race bid after rediscovering top form before Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Then there&#8217;s the location, Grobbendonk, barely seven kilometres as the crow flies (or the gravel racer rides) from Van Aert&#8217;s village of Herentals, whilst one of Van Aert&#8217;s training partners, Daan Soete (Ridley Racing), who will be taking part on Sunday, actually comes from Grobbendonk. Nor does Van Aert have any road racing obligations this weekend, unlike in 2025 when he took part in the Hamburg one-day WorldTour race, now known as the ADAC Cyclassics. (For the record, he finished tenth.)<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As for the main reason, Vervecken confirmed to <em>Wielerflits,<\/em>  &#8220;It&#8217;s because he enjoys it. It fits into his training for the Vuelta, and he gets to ride competitively on the roads where he does a lot of gravel anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-ZjQ5XN59yEyRjtVfHcEcWE\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-ZjQ5XN59yEyRjtVfHcEcWE 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 aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cHe can arrive at the start of that race without stress. If he manages to secure the title in his home region, that\u2019s a nice bonus. If not, he won\u2019t lose any sleep over it either. Ultimately, the real goals for him come much later in the season.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As for the course itself, Belgian newspaper <em>Nieuwsblad<\/em>sent one of their reporters to ride the entire route, which centres on Grobbendonk &#8211; home until his death in 2022 to the Herman Vanspringel, aka <em>Monsieur Bordeaux-Paris<\/em>, the long-defunct marathon race he won seven times &#8211; and the neighbouring town of Bouwel, with bridges being built specially in the woods inbetween.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The toughest part of the course, according to <em>Nieuwsblad,<\/em> for the more than 1,300 participants on Sunday &#8211; including Van Aert, Tim Merlier (Soudal-QuickStep), Lotte Claes (Fenix-Premier Tech) and her teammate, elite women&#8217;s defending champion Marthe Truyen &#8211; will be a disused railway maintenance track, which has been cleared of weeds over the summer specially for the occasion.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;In their place, we see an endless stretch of nearly 700 meters of loose, flaky sand, where we have to put our feet down after just five turns of the pedals, simply to avoid falling.&#8221; <em>Nieuwsblad<\/em>&#8216;s article read, while residents reportedly claimed that this key section, 15 kilometres from the finish in Grobbendonk, would be where Van Aert would attack to win.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Should Van Aert fail, though, he&#8217;ll have another opportunity to take a gravel victory (of sorts) in the very near future. Stage 6 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a features the first-ever full gravel section of the race, a 3.5-kilometre sector close to the summit of the Cat. 1 Puerto del Bartolo. Quite apart from its own appeal, Sunday&#8217;s Belgian Gravel Championships, then, will provide a good chance to practice for that, too.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-463fc6ea-97d9-11f1-a04a-cb5b52d7a6d2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/from-road-to-gravel-then-back-to-road-why-is-wout-van-aert-racing-the-belgian-gravel-championships-for-the-first-time-ever-this-sunday\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/k9zmDrDg9CYQpyHK4MVWeJ-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Where are all the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a sprinters? They&#8217;re heading to Belgium instead 2 Wout van Aert and Tim Merlier join defending champions Marthe Truyen and Niels Vandeputte among starters for Belgian Gravel Championships 3 &#8216;Back to work&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar returns to training mode after plain-clothes gravel rides and Tour [&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-2093272","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\/2093272","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=2093272"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2093272\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2093272"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2093272"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2093272"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}