With two weeks of the Giro d’Italia in the books, there’s plenty to reflect on. In the Wuyts & Vlaeminck podcast by HLN, the progress of Wout van Aert during the season’s first Grand Tour is discussed. The conversation also briefly touches on his main rival, Mathieu van der Poel, who suffered a heavy crash during his first mountain bike race of the season.
“It’s been a wonderful Giro,” begins Michel Wuyts. “The young guys are stepping up against experienced riders like Yates and Carapaz. It’s a joy to watch.” Jan Bakelants is also enjoying this year’s Giro immensely. “The race is wide open, and even the stages that seem uneventful on paper end up delivering. It’s been a real treat.”
There have, however, been several serious crashes, which Van Aert blamed on the jostling by GC teams. Wuyts didn’t see that remark as particularly wise. “He himself, while supporting Vingegaard, has often been caught up in that same chaos. He probably shouldn’t have said it, but let’s not overreact.”
Will Van Aert quit during the third week of the Giro?
Van Aert’s performances have especially caught the eye of the Belgian analyst. “There’s a very clear upward trend, which gives me confidence that he can return to top form. Whether he’ll ever reach his former level again, I’m not sure. But there’s hope, and what I’m seeing now is very promising.”
Bakelants also sees that positive trend, but whether Van Aert will carry it through the Giro’s final week remains unclear. “We’ll have to wait and see what he decides this week. I wouldn’t be surprised if he heads home. He already has his stage win, and based on how Wout is climbing now, I’m not sure he can do much for Simon. With the Tour de France in mind, it might be wiser for him to stop.”
Ayuso is UAE’s number one, not Del Toro
The third week is expected to revolve around the GC battle. That contest remains wide open, though Primoz Roglic might not be a major factor. “He’s 35 now, and each crash takes its toll,” says Michel Wuyts. “I don’t know if he’ll ever win the Tour de France again.”
Who is expected to contend for the overall victory are the UAE Team Emirates XRG riders. “I think Ayuso will ultimately rise to the top, and you can already see that in how they’re limiting Del Toro. Even in the pink jersey, he’s acting as a super-domestique,” says Wuyts. Jan Bakelants, however, believes Del Toro could still get his chance. “I think UAE will give Del Toro the opportunity, but they want to keep both options open.”
Van der Poel crashes hard, but mountain bike plans remain unchanged
Switching gears from the Giro: Mathieu van der Poel suffered a heavy crash in Nové Město during his first mountain bike race of the season. “Mathieu’s crash wasn’t due to lack of skill but eagerness. Starting from the fifth row, of course you want to move up quickly. I don’t think he’ll give it up—this discipline is too close to his heart,” says Wuyts.
Bakelants agrees it wasn’t about ability. “Considering how tough that course is, any top rider could crash there. But he’s definitely not quitting. When you look at his road and cyclocross prowess, you realize it all comes from his mountain biking roots.”
