Wout van Aert Skips Bretagne Classic to Focus on Canadian Race
In a strategic move, Wout van Aert and Team Visma | Lease a Bike have decided to withdraw the Belgian star from the upcoming Bretagne Classic, opting instead to prioritize his preparation for key races in Canada. Initially set to join teammates Christophe Laporte, Olav Kooij, and Tiesj Benoot at the French one-day race, Van Aert’s absence reflects a calculated shift in focus toward his late-season objectives, including the Grand Prix Québec and Grand Prix Montréal, scheduled two weeks from now.
Van Aert’s decision comes after a lackluster performance at the Deutschland Tour, where it was evident he was not at his peak. The choice to skip Sunday’s Bretagne Classic grants him two additional weeks of uninterrupted training, with the Super 8 Classic also on his radar next week. This adjustment follows an intense 2025 season for the versatile Belgian, which included a packed spring schedule featuring early-season racing in February, a three-week altitude camp, the cobbled classics, the Ardennes classics up to Amstel Gold Race, the Giro d’Italia, another altitude camp, and the Tour de France. Given this grueling program, Van Aert’s decision to streamline his autumn calendar is understandable.
While Van Aert was briefly considered for the World Championships in Rwanda, the mountainous course, favoring climbers like Tadej Pogačar, was deemed unsuitable for his strengths. Instead, Van Aert is channeling his efforts toward the Canadian classics, where he will face stiff competition, including the reigning world champion. These races are likely to mark the culmination of his 2025 season.
Despite Van Aert’s absence, Team Visma | Lease a Bike remains a formidable force at the Bretagne Classic. Olav Kooij, fresh off a strong showing at the Renewi Tour, and Tiesj Benoot, with his wealth of experience in hilly classics, are well-positioned to vie for victory. The 260-kilometer race, set in the challenging terrain of Bretagne, promises a thrilling battle with a stellar lineup of contenders. UAE Team Emirates – XRG will field a talented squad, including Isaac del Toro, Jhonatan Narváez, Jan Christen, Brandon McNulty, and Tim Wellens. World-class sprinters such as Jonathan Milan, Kaden Groves, and Biniam Girmay will also compete, with Arnaud De Lie and Paul Magnier among the top favorites.
As Van Aert hones his form for the Canadian classics, the cycling world eagerly awaits his return to racing, while the Bretagne Classic prepares for a fiercely contested showdown this Sunday.
