Wout van Aert rocked as much as the Milan-San Remo workforce presentation with a recent haircut, one other signal that he’s able to race.
“I visited a hairdresser this afternoon. I wanted a Milan-San Remo makeover,” van Aert joked earlier than speaking race race ways.
The Jumbo-Visma chief was compelled to overlook Strade Bianche and prolong his altitude coaching camp after sickness slowed his return to coaching after the UCI Cyclocross World Championships. He additionally crashed throughout Tirreno-Adriatico and begins Milan-San Remo with no win in 2023 however insisted he was able to race.
“I had a distinct preparation than I anticipated however I believe it is ok,” Van Aert mentioned.
“I had an excellent Tirreno-Adriatico and really feel prepared for Milan-San Remo,” he mentioned earlier than heading to his lodge for a remaining meal of carbs for the close to seven-hour, 300km race on Saturday.
“It is at all times scary to experience for 300km however it’s an excellent good Basic and one in every of my favourites. I hope to be superb after which possibly acquire one other proportion level of type for the following races. However I am ok to win Milan-San Remo.”
Van Aert chased after Tadej Pogačar quite a few occasions on the Poggio final 12 months, maybe damaging his personal possibilities. He expects a distinct race this 12 months that would see assaults as early because the Cipressa from Pogačar but additionally traditional strikes on the Poggio and maybe an opportunity for the very best sprinters.
“I believe Pogačar will race otherwise this time,” Van Aert warned. “I additionally anticipate a robust Julian Alaphilippe. He could also be a bit underestimated now, however he is aware of how you can completely time an assault on the Poggio.
“I am additionally conscious that Jasper Philipsen could possibly be a risk. I see him getting over the Poggio, too.”