Wout van Aert: The Emergence of a Champion Amidst the Apocalypse (Strade Bianche)
In the second installment of our “Retro Classics” series, we delve into the mythic Strade Bianche — a race that has swiftly earned its place among cycling enthusiasts. Despite being only in its 18th edition in 2024, this Italian event is already hailed as the 6th Monument in cycling. A glance at its prestigious winners confirms this status: Tadej Pogacar, the triple champion Fabian Cancellara, the dynamic trio of Wout Van Aert, Mathieu van der Poel, and Julian Alaphilippe, as well as seasoned riders like Michal Kwiatkowski, Philippe Gilbert, and Tom Pidcock.
Let’s rewind to the 2018 edition — a race etched in memory as the most grueling in Strade Bianche’s history and the birthplace of a future champion. Cyclism’Actu takes you back to that pivotal year.
A Stellar Lineup
By 2018, Strade Bianche had already established itself as a prestigious event, attracting the crème de la crème of global cycling every first Saturday of March. The 12th edition featured a star-studded cast, including the defending champion, Michal Kwiatkowski (Team Sky), the Sicilian Shark Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain Merida Pro Cycling Team), the recent Olympic champion Greg van Avermaet (BMC Racing Team), the three-time world champion Peter Sagan (BORA — hansgrohe), and the veteran Alejandro Valverde, embarking on his 14th season with Movistar. Notably absent from this list were the riders who would eventually grace the podium.
Treacherous Conditions
The weather gods were unkind that day. Relentless rain and biting cold transformed the iconic white gravel roads into treacherous brown paths. Around 50 kilometers from the finish, a formidable group emerged at the front, featuring Alejandro Valverde, Michal Kwiatkowski, and two French riders — Valentin Madouas (Groupama — FDJ) and Pierre Latour (AG2R La Mondiale). But the real surprise was the presence of Wout van Aert (Vérandas Willems — Crélan), an unexpected contender despite his prowess in cyclo-cross.
At that time, the Belgian had just secured his third cyclo-cross world championship title but had no significant road racing experience at the WorldTour level. Yet, there he was, riding shoulder-to-shoulder with the Frenchman Romain Bardet (AG2R La Mondiale) as they broke away from the peloton 45 kilometers from the finish. Could they hold on?
The Birth of a Future Great
To everyone’s astonishment, Wout van Aert did more than hang on. He not only matched Bardet’s pace but also took turns at the front. Their lead approached a minute when two more riders bridged the gap: Tiesj Benoot, who would later become van Aert’s teammate at Visma | Lease A Bike, and Pieter Serry (Quick-Step Floors). The quartet battled it out, and Benoot’s solo effort brought him back to the leaders. The podium was set, but the order remained uncertain.
In the final sector of white roads — the Tolfe — Tiesj Benoot surged ahead, leaving his companions behind. He claimed a prestigious victory, his first as a professional. Meanwhile, Wout van Aert and Romain Bardet fought for second place. Despite cramps, van Aert held on to secure a well-deserved podium finish. Cycling aficionados realized they had witnessed the emergence of a future great.
In 2020, van Aert would go on to win his first major classic at the rescheduled Strade Bianche in August due to the pandemic. A new champion had arrived, ready to engage in thrilling duels with his arch-nemesis, Mathieu van der Poel. Should Strade Bianche be considered a Monument? The answer is a resounding yes.
