Wout van Aert a terminé sa reconnaissance de Paris-Roubaix jeudi, parcourant 130 kilomètres depuis le début du premier secteur de pavés à… Translate to English  Wout van Aert completed his Paris-Roubaix reconnaissance on Thursday, riding 130 kilometres from the start of the first sector of pavé in … 

Wout van Aert a terminé sa reconnaissance de Paris-Roubaix jeudi, parcourant 130 kilomètres depuis le début du premier secteur de pavés à… Translate to English

Wout van Aert completed his Paris-Roubaix reconnaissance on Thursday, riding 130 kilometres from the start of the first sector of pavé in …

Wout van Aert, the Belgian powerhouse of Jumbo-Visma, concluded his reconnaissance of the 2025 Paris-Roubaix route on Thursday, riding a grueling 130 kilometers that included the notorious first sector of pavé. Known for its unforgiving cobblestones, Paris-Roubaix is a race that requires not only physical strength but also perfect tactical preparation. With this reconnaissance ride, Van Aert is leaving nothing to chance as he sets his sights on the upcoming monument, which is widely regarded as one of the most challenging one-day races in professional cycling.

 

Van Aert’s ride took him through some of the most challenging sections of the race, starting from the very first pavé sector, a critical area for establishing rhythm and position in the early part of the race. The 130 kilometers, which included multiple cobbled sections, gave the Belgian star a firsthand opportunity to assess the condition of the course and adapt his strategy accordingly.

 

The route of Paris-Roubaix is famous for its rugged, bone-shaking cobblestones that can take a heavy toll on both riders and their machines. The early reconnaissance rides, like the one completed by Van Aert, are crucial for understanding how the cobbled sectors are holding up, as weather conditions can change them dramatically from year to year. Whether it’s the wear and tear on the stones themselves or potential mud from recent rainfall, these details can make or break a rider’s chances.

 

After completing the ride, Van Aert shared his insights with the press, acknowledging the unique challenges of the race. “It was important to get a feel for the first sector of pavé and how the conditions are this year. It’s always a brutal test, but that’s what makes Paris-Roubaix so special. The key is to stay focused and conserve energy in the right moments, especially early on when it’s easy to get caught up in the intensity of the race,” Van Aert said.

 

The 2025 edition of Paris-Roubaix is expected to be particularly exciting, with a star-studded field of riders all vying for victory. Van Aert is one of the top contenders, having consistently shown his versatility and strength across all terrains. He has demonstrated impressive form in the cobbled classics in recent seasons, securing podium finishes in key races such as the Tour of Flanders and Gent-Wevelgem.

 

Van Aert’s reconnaissance ride is part of his meticulous approach to preparing for the race. As one of the most tactical and physically demanding races in the world, Paris-Roubaix requires riders to be at their absolute best. With the added pressure of being a race that has eluded many of the sport’s greats, the pressure is high for Van Aert. However, his consistency in both the classics and stage races shows that he is more than capable of handling the demands of this iconic race.

 

Jumbo-Visma, his team, will also play a key role in the Belgian’s Paris-Roubaix ambitions. Known for their strategic planning and strong team support, Jumbo-Visma will no doubt have carefully tailored plans to assist Van Aert in navigating the race’s tricky dynamics. The team’s ability to control the pace, protect Van Aert from the early chaos, and deliver him in a strong position for the final push will be crucial in determining his success.

 

With the 2025 Paris-Roubaix just days away, Van Aert’s reconnaissance ride serves as a vital piece of the puzzle in his preparation. While many riders will also be scouting the course ahead of race day, Van Aert’s in-depth understanding of the terrain and his years of experience on these punishing roads put him in a strong position to contend for victory. As the countdown to one of cycling’s most celebrated races ticks down, all eyes will be on Van Aert to see if he can finally claim the elusive cobblestone trophy that has been a long-standing goal of his career.

 

Fans, riders, and experts alike will be eagerly watching as Wout van Aert takes on the challenge of Paris-Roubaix this Sunday, with his reconnaissance ride providing a glimpse into his meticulous approach to securing victory in this historic race.