Wout van Aert Aims for Podium Finish at Gravel World Championships in Italy

Belgian cyclist Wout van Aert is set to compete in the Gravel World Championships in Italy, showcasing his passion for gravel racing. Van Aert, who has loved gravel cycling since childhood, expressed his excitement for the upcoming race. “The love for gravel cycling has never gone away. It has only grown,” he said.

During the pandemic, van Aert found solace in gravel cycling, exploring new tracks and roads near his home. “The ‘gravel beast’ in me was unleashed,” he added. His interest in the discipline grew, and he closely followed gravel races as well.

Now, van Aert is looking to finish the season on a high note at the World Championship in the Veneto region of Italy. “I asked the team to end my season with the Gravel World Championship. That was no problem, and I am looking forward to it,” he said. Van Aert will be staying in a strategically located hotel right next to the course.

Although he has only done one gravel race this season, van Aert recognizes the tough competition that awaits him. “There will probably be a lot of good WorldTour riders at the start. And the real specialists who ride this kind of race all season will also be there,” he explained. Despite the challenges, van Aert aims to secure a podium finish for himself.

With good weather forecasted for the event, van Aert is eagerly anticipating the race. “I will be staying and racing in this part of Italy for the first time. I’m really looking forward to it. It should be an excellent race,” he said.

As the competition heats up, van Aert understands that there are multiple contenders for the win. “I understand that Alejandro Valverde considers himself the favorite. That could be the case. I’m aiming for the podium myself,” van Aert concluded.