ProTeam Sports Director Mario Aerts looks back on the Vuelta: “Not easy, but progress made”
# Progress Amidst Challenges: Mario Aerts Reflects on Vuelta Performance
The conclusion of the recent Vuelta a España was bittersweet for the Lotto Cycling Team, revealing both the trials of the race and the significant strides made by its riders. Sports Director Mario Aerts acknowledged the disappointment that came with the anticlimactic ending in Madrid but emphasized the positive memories that unfolded over the 20 stages preceding it.
This year marked the Lotto Cycling Team’s final appearance adorned in the distinctive jersey celebrating 40 years of the National Lottery in cycling. Early performances hinted at promising potential, with Elia Viviani clinching a fourth-place finish in the opening stage in Turin. The subsequent day, Liam Slock seized the spotlight, earning the combativity award. Eduardo Sepúlveda also showcased his talents, placing tenth in the team time trial and seventh in stage seven, contributing to a successful beginning for the team. Aerts noted, “And actually there was also Elia’s second place in Zaragoza. It’s a pity he was relegated, but that’s something we have to accept.”
However, the Vuelta presented a challenging course notorious for its mountains and limited sprint opportunities. “And then, in Madrid, we even had a sprint stage taken away from us. That was especially disappointing for Elia Viviani, who had been looking forward to that final stage for three weeks,” Aerts shared.
The uphill battle began to take its toll when the team lost key rider Lennert Van Eetvelt after the Belgian Championship. Aerts commented on the need to regroup, saying, “Then you have to build a different team. A mix of experience—with Jasper De Buyst, Elia Viviani, Eduardo Sepúlveda, and Arjen Livyns, who sadly had to leave in the first week due to illness—and debutants like Liam Slock, Lars Craps, and Alec Segaert.” Despite limited time riding together, the team developed strong camaraderie.
Despite their good form and relative health, barring Livyns, Aerts reflected on an outcome that fell short of expectations. “Craps, Slock, and Segaert all made great progress, which they will certainly benefit from next year. We had counted on a few more top-five results, but that didn’t materialize. That’s a pity because this was genuinely a strong team; everyone rode well, and no one really got into trouble.”
As Aerts concludes his reflections, the ride through this year’s Vuelta serves as a foundation for future growth and resilience for the Lotto Cycling Team.
