Naesen and Van Avermaet believe in Wout van Aert's San Remo chances: “Very high level”

In the buildup to Milan-San Remo, the focus is mainly on the anticipated duel between Tadej Pogacar and Mathieu van der Poel. But while two top riders fight for a monumental classic victory, Wout van Aert might just take the win. His compatriots Greg Van Avermaet and Oliver Naesen are certainly optimistic.

"I don't think I'm one of the favorites. Pogacar and Van der Poel are the big favorites. I can win though, because San Remo is precisely the kind of race where anything can happen. I think my legs have been good in the past week. I'm going there to win." These are the words of Wout van Aert, who gained valuable race toughness at Tirreno-Adriatico with the main spring goals in mind.

The Visma | Lease a Bike rider did not win a stage in the Italian stage race, but his form appeared to be on the rise. "He’s at a very high level," is Greg Van Avermaet’s conclusion in the HLN Cycling Podcast. "The level he needs to start winning races."

The Rio Olympic champion definitely considers his compatriot a contender for Milan-San Remo. "Van Aert pulling away on the Cipressa and Poggio is unlikely if he’s in great shape and well-positioned. That’s where he needs to focus and believe in himself. With the mindset: I’m starting that climb and they’re not dropping me. That takes you very far. For San Remo, he should mostly wrap himself in the underdog role."

Hoping for headwind? 
Naesen is also optimistic about Van Aert’s chances of victory. "Can Wout win? By definition yes, because he’s already done it," the Decathlon CMA CGM rider refers to the 2020 edition.

"Where he used to prefer the race to be as tough as possible, I think now he could be blessed by some headwind on the Cipressa and Poggio. A bit fresher, and with more eyes on Pogacar and Van der Poel. Then Wout remains one of the favorites."