'I wasn't feeling great' - pre-race training crash and lack of form sees tough return for Wout van Aert at Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Wout van Aert faced a challenging return to racing at the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, marking his first competition since his landmark Paris-Roubaix victory in April. The Belgian rider finished the opening stage a significant 24 minutes behind the leaders on a demanding course that was unlikely to suit him, but his performance was nonetheless below expectations. Van Aert openly admitted to feeling unwell from the outset, choosing to ride conservatively rather than push himself too hard in the early part of the race. The difficulties Van Aert encountered can be largely attributed to a recent training crash, which left him with injuries to his right arm and leg, forcing him to compete with visible bandages. He described the incident as severe, having lost control of his time trial bike after hitting a large pothole, but confirmed he was fit enough to start the race despite the setback. This crash disrupted his preparation and clearly affected his form, contributing to his subdued performance on stage one. Despite the tough start, Van Aert remains optimistic about his prospects and the role this race plays in his broader season objectives. He highlighted that the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is a crucial stepping stone as he builds towards the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España later in the summer, followed by the World Championships. Van Aert emphasised the importance of using this week to regain form and progress, suggesting that he expects to feel better and potentially be more competitive in the stages ahead. Looking ahead, the second stage’s less demanding profile could offer Van Aert a chance to find his rhythm, although the dynamics of the race remain uncertain, particularly regarding who will control the peloton. Van Aert’s cautious approach and focus on recovery underline a strategic mindset, prioritising long-term goals over immediate results. His measured return to competition reflects the challenges elite riders face when balancing recovery with the demands of a packed racing calendar.