'We could only have come back if they had started looking at each other' - Wout van Aert settles for fourth in Tour of Flanders

Wout van Aert, the formidable Belgian, finished a somewhat uncharacteristic fourth in the Tour of Flanders, unable to bridge back to the leading trio after being dropped on the second ascent of the Oude Kwaremont. His post-race comments indicated a tactical resignation, stating a return was only possible had the leaders started "looking at each other," which they demonstrably did not. This marks another significant Classics result where Van Aert was present but not ultimately victorious.

This outcome, while still a top-five finish in a Monument, will undoubtedly sting Van Aert and Jumbo-Visma, especially given his status as a pre-race favourite and his previous podium finishes in Flanders. It adds to a narrative of near-misses in crucial Monuments, often against the same formidable rivals like Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogačar. The tactical acumen of the eventual winners, who maintained their pace and commitment, highlights the brutal, unforgiving nature of the Ronde and the fine margins at the very top.

Van Aert's assessment of the situation was brutally honest, if a touch self-serving. In the Monuments, you don't wait; you attack. And if you're dropped, well, that's the race.