For statistics enthusiasts, the Tour of Flanders was a true goldmine of curiosities! We analyzed the data provided by Strava, and surprisingly, after the winner Pogacar's performance, the second-best performance on the most challenging sections of the course was by Wout van Aert.

Based on these numbers, the Flemish rider can approach Paris-Roubaix with serenity and the awareness of being among the favorites to win.

Wout van Aert was not considered one of the top favorites for the Ronde, but he still performed well with growing form and a more incisive character. "I'm happy because I arrived where I wanted to be," the Flemish rider said. "It was an incredibly tough race, and it was fantastic to fight for the podium. Too bad I didn't make it, but in the sprint, I couldn't have done better."

Van Aert made a good impression, especially on the Oude Kwaremont climbs. On the second passage, he remained attached to the wheel of an unleashed Tadej Pogacar. The Slovenian was extraordinary, and his numbers drove the statistics experts crazy. On the Oude Kwaremont, in his fastest passage, he took 2'49" setting his best-ever performance on this section.

Pogacar also claimed the overall best time (KOM), but had to share it with Van Aert and his teammate Jorgenson. In the last passage, Van Aert performed better even than Van der Poel. "I felt really good at that moment," the Flemish rider said, referring to the Oude Kwaremont. "I can't blame myself because I raced the race I wanted to race."

Van Aert's statements and results are certainly an important signal ahead of Paris-Roubaix, which will be raced next Sunday. At Visma-Lease a Bike, everyone knows that Roubaix is the race that suits Van Aert best. The course characteristics are perfect for a powerful rider who is also agile and reactive like him. The gradients are not those of the Ronde, and on the pavé, it's difficult to find a rider who can go as fast as him.

The Belgian has participated 5 times in Roubaix, with his best placements being second place in 2022, when he returned after contracting COVID, and third place in 2023. Last year, Van Aert did not participate due to a crash at Through Flanders, and now the Flemish rider is ready to claim his first Roubaix. "It will be a challenging race, with very prepared riders, but I can't wait to race."