On the eve of Paris-Roubaix, attention is also on Wout Van Aert, one of the great favorites to conquer the Hell of the North. After a solid season so far and rich in high-level placements (third at Sanremo, second at Tour of Flanders and fourth at Flanders), the Flemish rider from Visma-Lease a Bike arrives at the appointment with ambition, aware that this could be the race most suited to his characteristics among all the Classics.

In 2026, Van Aert has already demonstrated excellent form. While not having collected victories, he has shown consistency and competitiveness against Pogacar and Van der Poel: constant presence in decisive moments and great solidity in the hardest one-day races, and this makes him one of the most reliable when the race transforms into a battle of endurance. Compared to other Classics with many walls and short climbs, Paris-Roubaix presents a different profile. Van Aert has underlined this clearly: the absence of explosive short climbs could reduce the advantage of his most feared rivals. According to the Belgian, who will race Roubaix for the seventh time, the race could be decided more on pure endurance and pavement management: «Here the group tends to regroup more than in the Flemish Classics where there is more elevation. This could be an advantage for me. In any case, it remains an extremely hard Classic, where the strongest riders always emerge in the end».

During the official presentation, Van Aert showed serenity and great motivation: after all, the Belgian finished second in 2022, third in 2023 and fourth in 2025. The reception from the public impressed him positively: «The support is very strong everywhere. It's really nice to hear it and it will be the same during the race, being welcomed this way really makes me happy». Then he spoke about his condition: «I arrive with great motivation. The Classics have gone well and I've achieved good results. One of the most beautiful races still has to come, so I'm very motivated. Is this my best chance? Yes, it could be».

An element that could influence the race is the ban imposed by the UCI on using the Graava system, a technology in which his Visma had invested heavily and which allowed tire pressure adjustment during the race. Van Aert doesn't hide his regret: «It's certainly a shame. It's a system that works very well and in which the team has invested. We could have gained a real advantage from it. The situation is what it is and it doesn't depend on us, or at least not on me. Since we found out, we've tried to choose the best setup possible and I have full confidence in this».

While the technological advantage is missing, on the other hand Van Aert can count on an extremely competitive team. The superiority of the collective could prove decisive, especially in a chaotic race like Roubaix, where positioning is fundamental from the first pavement sections. «From the first stretch it will be pure chaos - explains Van Aert - From that moment on you always have to stay up front and avoid problems». All the elements seem to be aligning: physical form, experience and a potentially favorable route. If he manages to avoid mechanical problems and stay in the front positions, Van Aert will have real chances of finally conquering Paris-Roubaix.