'I'm going there to win' – Wout van Aert finds 'race hardness' for Milan-San Remo return by suffering at Tirreno-Adriatico

Wout van Aert has declared his intent to "go there to win" Milan-San Remo, following a week of what he described as "suffering" at Tirreno-Adriatico. The Belgian powerhouse, representing Jumbo-Visma, used the Italian stage race to gain crucial "race hardness" after an earlier training camp. Despite not targeting overall victory, Van Aert secured two top-ten stage finishes, including fifth on stage five, indicating his form is building precisely as planned for the first Monument of the season.

This strategic approach underscores Van Aert's meticulous preparation for the Classics, a period where he consistently aims for victory. His 2020 Milan-San Remo win demonstrated his capability on the Poggio, and his subsequent podiums across various Monuments solidify his status as a perennial favourite. Using Tirreno as a high-intensity training block, rather than a primary objective, allows him to fine-tune his race rhythm and endurance, a common tactic for Classics specialists aiming to peak for specific events.

Ultimately, Van Aert's calculated suffering at Tirreno-Adriatico is merely a prelude. The real pain, and the true measure of his form, will be delivered on the Cipressa and Poggio this Saturday.