Wout van Aert, the Belgian powerhouse from Visma | Lease a Bike, is back at it again, proving why he’s considered one of the most dedicated and versatile riders in the peloton. Currently training in Mallorca, Van Aert is pushing his limits in preparation for a new season packed with challenging goals. His most recent training day in the Spanish sun was nothing short of impressive, combining both running and cycling efforts that most would struggle to match.
Next week, the 30-year-old will kick off his road season with the Clásica Jaén Paraíso Interior, a one-day race featuring gravel sections in Spain. This marks the beginning of a series of competitive races that will set the stage for Van Aert’s major goals, including the prestigious cobbled Classics. His intense training in Mallorca has been a critical part of his preparation.
A Grueling Training Day
Van Aert’s day on Tuesday began at the crack of dawn, shortly after 7 a.m. when he slipped into his running shoes for a brisk morning lap. Starting in Sineu, the Belgian completed a 6.4-kilometer run in under thirty minutes, maintaining an impressive pace of 4:26 per kilometer. For most athletes, this would be a significant effort, but for Van Aert, it was likely just a warm-up to get the blood flowing before the real work began.
After the run, he shifted gears and hopped on his bike for a massive 239-kilometer ride through the hilly terrain of Mallorca. Over the course of seven hours, he climbed more than 2,700 meters, maintaining an average speed of 33.5 km/h. This was no easy feat. Mallorca’s notoriously tough roads and relentless climbs provided the perfect conditions for Van Aert to test his limits and sharpen his form.
Strava Gold and Risk-Taking Fun
As always, Van Aert shared his efforts on Strava, where he jokingly referenced his daring experience on the Playa de Palma bike path, saying, “Taking risks on the Playa de Palma bike path. Awesome.” It was clear that he was both putting in the work and enjoying the journey. The ride saw him achieve personal records on key climb segments like the Coll de Orient and Coll de Honor, proving that his preparation is well on track for the upcoming season.
Looking Ahead to the Season’s Challenges
With his first competitive race just around the corner, Van Aert’s hard work is setting him up for a strong start to the season. After the Clásica Jaén, he will take on the Volta ao Algarve before shifting focus to the Classics, which are his main target. The E3 Saxo Classic and Dwars door Vlaanderen will be key races leading up to his ultimate goal: victory in a cobbled Monument.
Van Aert’s thorough preparation shows just how serious he is about claiming glory in the 2025 Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. With his relentless training and focus, this season promises to be another thrilling chapter in his already illustrious career.
