Van Aert and Vingegaard make return: ‘Taking next step in preparation for bigger goals’
The Clásica Jaén and the Volta ao Algarve mark the first races on European soil for Team Visma | Lease a Bike. All eyes will be on the return of Wout van Aert and Jonas Vingegaard to the peloton. We look ahead with our two leaders.
After a successful start to the season in Australia and Oman, Team Visma | Lease a Bike heads to the Spanish-Portuguese doubleheader with a strong lineup. Just like last year, Van Aert will take part in the Clásica Jaén on February 17, a race known for its many gravel sections. A few days later, the Belgian will line up for the Portuguese stage race Volta ao Algarve, where Vingegaard will join him.
"A gravel race always makes my heart beat a little faster"
Van Aert is opting for a similar approach to last season. The 30-year-old Belgian, who had his share of bad luck in Jaén in 2024, sees these two races as the perfect preparation for his bigger goals in the spring. “Last year was my first time riding these races,” says Van Aert, who won a stage in the Algarve in 2024. “It turned out to be the perfect preparation for the Flemish opening weekend. I finished third in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and won Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne. We thought it would be a good idea to include the Clásica Jaén and the Volta ao Algarve in my program again. I think they are two beautiful, varied races where I can immediately test myself. A gravel race always makes my heart beat a little faster.” In Jaén, Van Aert will be joined by teammates Sepp Kuss, Tiesj Benoot, Ben Tulett, Loe van Belle, Menno Huising, and Tijmen Graat.
The Volta ao Algarve kicks off on February 19 with an opening stage between Portimão and Lagos. After several traditional stages, the five-day Portuguese race will culminate in a mountain time trial. “The Volta ao Algarve has a bit of everything,” Van Aert adds. “There are a few stages where I see opportunities to go for the win, but the main goal is to take another step in my preparation for the big spring classics. Of course, we’ll also aim for the overall victory with Jonas. I’m looking forward to racing my first road races of the season."
"I’m excited to pin on a race number again"
Vingegaard will make his debut in the Portuguese stage race. The 28-year-old Dane will be racing for the first time since August last year. “This will be my first participation in the Volta ao Algarve, which definitely adds extra motivation,” Vingegaard says. “I hope I can immediately compete for the overall win, although I primarily see the race as preparation for my bigger goals later in the season. It’s great to be surrounded by such a strong team right from the start, with Wout, Sepp Kuss, Tiesj Benoot, Wilco Kelderman, Ben Tulett and Loe van Belle. I’m excited to pin on a race number again.”
