Wout van Aert is considered one of the leading contenders for stage 4 of Tirreno-Adriatico, a demanding route featuring numerous climbs of varying lengths. The stage is expected to be explosive, offering the Team Visma | Lease a Bike rider several chances to make a move.
Reflecting on the previous stage, Van Aert said he managed it comfortably despite the long distance. Speaking to Sporza in Tagliacozzo, he explained that the day was lengthy but not especially tough, and the relatively mild weather helped him get through it without major issues.
Stage 4 begins with two significant climbs early in the day before the riders descend back toward near sea level. From there, the peloton will face several shorter hilltop sections before a flat run to the finish in Martinsicuro. On paper, it is the sort of stage where a breakaway might normally succeed. However, with many ambitious riders in the peloton at Tirreno-Adriatico, several teams are expected to push the pace and attempt to control the race.
Meanwhile, attention has also turned to preparations for the cobbled classics. While Van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel are racing in Tirreno-Adriatico, their major rival Tadej Pogacar has been training on the cobbled roads used in Paris–Roubaix alongside Florian Vermeersch.
Asked about Pogacar’s reconnaissance trip, Van Aert noted that such preparation is perfectly normal. He added that many riders do the same, but it appears clear that Pogacar is particularly focused on the race.
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