Wout Van Aert is also ready to start his road season and he will do so today at the Clásica Jaén in Spain and immediately after, from Wednesday, he will be in Portugal with the Volta ao Algarve.

After a brief cyclocross season and a training camp in Mallorca, the Belgian can't wait to pin on his race number and put himself to the test to measure the results of his preparation. The Spanish race features several gravel sections and seems perfect for the Belgian, as the gravel represents the most interesting part of the course. "A gravel race always makes my heart beat a little faster" - Van Aert said through the team's social media - "I'm ready to race and see where I'm at".

Just like in 2024, Van Aert will race the Clásica Jaén and then go to the Volta ao Algarve: "Last year I participated in these races for the first time and it proved to be the best preparation for the Flanders opening weekend, because I then finished third in the Omloop and won Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne. I think Jaen and Algarve are two beautiful and varied races, where I can immediately put myself to the test".

The Flemish rider this year doesn't want to miss anything and his goals will be the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. He will also race the Giro d'Italia, where he wants to conquer the pink jersey in the first stage in Albania.

Much more than the Clásica Jaén, the Volta ao Algarve has been one of the most important stage races at the beginning of the season for many years, and many high-level riders focus on this competition. "The Volta ao Algarve is a race that practically has everything. There are some stages where I see good opportunities to aim for victory, but the main thing is to take another step forward in my preparation towards the big spring classics".

Jonas Vingegaard will also be with Van Aert, starting his season with the Portuguese race, then moving on to Paris-Nice, Catalonia, Dauphiné, Tour de France and Vuelta.

"Certainly in Portugal we will also aim for the overall victory with Jonas. I can't wait to race in these first road races and see what kind of sensations my body will feel and the feeling with the races".