Belgian Cycling Icon Filippo Pozzato Hails Wout van Aert as Potential Winner of the Classics
Milan, Italy – In an exclusive interview with Cycling Weekly, three-time Giro d’Italia stage winner Filippo Pozzato expressed his admiration for Dutch cyclist Wout van Aert, hailing him as a potential winner of the Classics, particularly the prestigious Tour of Flanders. Pozzato, a renowned Italian cyclist, believes that Van Aert’s exceptional skillset makes him a top contender for the win in Flanders.
Van Aert, who currently rides for the Dutch-registered UCI WorldTeam Jumbo-Visma, has been gaining immense popularity in the world of professional cycling. His impressive performances on the road and his versatility as a rider have led to him being one of the most sought-after riders in the sport. Pozzato, who has been following Van Aert’s career closely, is of the opinion that the Belgian-Flemish cyclist has the potential to win the Tour of Flanders, a race that Pozzato considers perfect for Van Aert’s unique skillset.
“For me, Wout van Aert’s perfect race is the Tour of Flanders,” Pozzato explained. “The course is so varied, with a combination of cobblestones, hills, and flat sections. It’s a true test of a rider’s skills, and I think Van Aert is perfectly suited to it.” Pozzato went on to say that Van Aert’s exceptional technical skills, combined with his impressive endurance and tactical acumen, make him a top contender for the win in Flanders.
The Tour of Flanders, considered one of the most grueling and challenging one-day races in the world, is a 265-kilometer (165-mile) route that spans through the Flemish region of Belgium. The course features 22 cobblestone sections, steep hills, and technical descents, which demand a rider to possess a unique combination of physical and mental abilities. Pozzato believes that Van Aert’s versatility as a rider makes him an attractive contender for the win in Flanders.
“Wout van Aert is a complete rider,” Pozzato said. “He can climb, he can sprint, and he’s got the skills to navigate the technical sections of the course. He’s also very strong tactically, which is essential in a race like Flanders, where you need to be able to make strategic decisions on the fly.” Pozzato’s assessment of Van Aert’s abilities is echoed by his current teammates and competitors, who acknowledge his exceptional skills as a rider.
In recent seasons, Van Aert has been one of the most consistent performers in the Classics, finishing second at the 2020 Tour of Flanders and winning the 2021 Paris-Roubaix. His impressive performances have earned him a reputation as one of the top contenders for the win in Flanders, alongside other cycling legends such as Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogačar.
“Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogačar are both incredible riders, but I think Wout van Aert has the potential to beat them in Flanders,” Pozzato said. “He’s got the speed, the skill, and the tactical ability to take on the best of the best. Of course, anything can happen in a bike race, but if I had to pick a rider to win Flanders, I’d say it’s Wout van Aert.”
Van Aert’s success in Flanders would not only mark a significant milestone in his career but also solidify his position as one of the top riders in the world. Pozzato’s endorsement of Van Aert serves as a testament to the high regard in which the Dutch cyclist is held within the cycling community. As the 2023 Tour of Flanders draws near, fans and pundits alike will be eagerly watching Van Aert’s progress, hoping that Pozzato’s predictions come to fruition.
In conclusion, Filippo Pozzato’s assessment of Wout van Aert’s potential to win the Tour of Flanders has sparked excitement within the cycling community. With his exceptional skillset and versatility as a rider, Van Aert has the makings of a true champion. Whether he can finally take the win in Flanders remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Wout van Aert is a rider worth watching in the Classics.
