Van Aert sprints to silver in Olympic road race
Wout van Aert has added a silver Olympic medal to his impressive record of achievements. The Belgian of Team Jumbo-Visma won the sprint for second place from Tour de France winner Tadej Pogačar at the Fuji International Speedway. The gold went to the Ecuadorian Richard Carapaz.
The race became a real exhausting one due to the gruelling heat. After an early breakaway was caught at the Mikuni Pass, Pogačar broke open the race. Van Aert kept riding his own pace and managed to join the front just before the top. Van Aert tried to force something several times, but it was not enough to compete for the highest podium place.
"I had the legs to win, but I knew it was going to be difficult after the Mikuni pass."
Van Aert had mixed feelings after the race. “I had the legs to win, but I knew it was going to be difficult after the Mikuni pass. I tried to force things several times, but it was to no avail. Others were looking at Pogačar and me too much to work together. Carapaz was very strong. McNulty came back, but he stayed ahead.”
“On the Mikuni pass I deliberately chose to ride my own pace”, continued Van Aert. “I knew I shouldn’t push myself too much. It was possible that I would not return to the front as a result, but otherwise it probably wouldn’t have been for the medals either. Fortunately, I was able to rejoin. Together with the Belgians we executed the tactics well. And I’m happy that I was able to reward their work with the silver medal.”
On Wednesday, Van Aert will also ride the time trial.
