If you happen to be in Livigno and, looking up, you spot a guy in a yellow jersey pedaling his bike up the most rugged trails, don't be surprised: it's Wout Van Aert preparing for the Vuelta España.
Forced by injury to skip the Tour de France after eight consecutive participations, the Belgian from Visma Lease a Bike is training in the heights of Valtellina and, apparently, having a great time doing it.
Yesterday, for example, Van Aert posted a 105 km training session on Strava that included a very demanding climb on gravel roads, and the video confirms it.
Van Aert has the Vuelta in his sights, but especially the Montreal World Championships with a course that suits his characteristics perfectly.
𝙒𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙑𝙖𝙣 𝘼𝙚𝙧𝙩 🇧🇪 en prépa pour la Vuelta 🇪🇦😳✨️
— Cyclisme Belge 🇧🇪 (@LeCyclismebelge) July 16, 2026
C'EST QUOI CET ENTRAINEMENT DE MALADE MENTAL !?? 😭😭#LaVuelta26 pic.twitter.com/WiF2ETuxQy