Vacation period? Not for Wout Van Aert, thank you. While his colleagues are enjoying the last days of relaxation before starting winter preparation, the Belgian superstar hasn't wanted to waste any time and already has his eyes firmly set on 2026. Yesterday, Wout Van Aert was seen with some teammates from Visma Lease a Bike on the Paris-Roubaix course and in particular, he repeatedly tested the dreaded Carrefour de l'Arbre sector.

As reported by the Belgian site HLN, Van Aert pedaled on the stones with teammates Christophe Laporte, Tim Kielich, and Aldo Taillie, the latter being new entries to the team, along with some Visma Lease a Bike staff members. However, this was not just a simple reconnaissance, but the ride also aimed to test the new equipment provided to the Dutch squad - small adjustments that can truly make a difference in races like the stones classic. Van Aert's preparation has thus already begun, and from December 8th he will officially be in training camp in Oliva (Spain) with the entire team before cyclocross. His debut will most likely be at the World Cup event in Antwerp on December 20th, and he should also race the following day in Koksijde and Hofstade, although nothing is official yet.

Despite his impressive palmares, Paris-Roubaix is still missing from Wout Van Aert's collection. Recently, the Belgian champion declared that he considers the stones classic one of his major seasonal goals. His best result dates back to 2022, a second place behind Dylan Van Baarle, followed by third in 2023 and fourth in 2025. In every edition, something has always stood between him and victory, but it seems this time Wout doesn't want to leave anything to chance. So, why not start preparing right away?

(photo credit: photo news)